Simpler Days

I'm not sure why, but lately I've been nostalgic about my childhood. The older I get, the harder it is for me to remember what life was like on Rollings Hills Lane.

I try to hold onto the memories still intact. That time my brother took off on my bike and realized he didn't know how to stop. Carving pumpkins in the driveway with my dad. Climbing the Magnolia tree in the front yard. Playing hide-and-seek with the kids on the cul-de-sac.

There are so many memories. All of them remind me of a time and place untouched by the world. But I realize that those days are gone now. Everyone has grown up. They've moved on with their lives. They probably don't reflect on that time as often as I do.

The world around me is in a state of constant change. My responsibilities grow by the hour. I get stressed out by circumstances I have no control over. I long for a break from this hectic ride. I let the world rob me of my peace and joy.

Sometimes, in the midst of a great trial, I look back at that time. I allow the simpler days to remind me how sweet life is. And how quickly the time goes.

I'm not sure where you turn when you're going through a rough season, but I can guarantee you that if you reflect back on a sweeter, simpler time you'll be reminded that your life is not defined by the failures and mistakes. Instead, your life is defined by the peace you harbor in the middle of great storm.

--Jessica