When Time Stood Still

And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

~Psalm 71:9 NLT

Ah, the days when time stood still—or, at least, seemed to.

I remember the street’s location, its name, and how the field looked. It was nestled just behind the Chevrolet dealership in Orangeburg, South Carolina—the dealership where Mom worked as a secretary when I was a young lad. It was the first job I remember her having. Just down the road—and on the other side—was Southern Methodist College, the college my dad attended after surrendering to God’s call to the ministry. And just before attending here, he worked at the local Western Auto store and drove an ice cream truck for Paradise Ice Cream Company, as my grandfather did.

But back to the field. Mirmow Field was built in 1948. My dad and my grandfather loved to watch the local baseball team play here. Baseball was their favorite sport. In fact, for a time, my grandparents lived just a block away from Mirmow Field, which made it convenient for my grandfather to attend. The field’s team names included the Orangeburg Braves, the Orangeburg Tigers, and the Orangeburg American Legion team (Post 4). The latter is the one I recall.

Later, my grandparents moved to Whaley Street. I was still a small child, but I often stayed with them since my grandmother was my day care center and babysitter. Just down the road was Silcox Grocery—a Mom-n-Pop store, the kind that populated most towns and country communities. I loved Mr. Silcox. I remember standing in front of his counter, barely able to see over the top, as he talked to me.

Later, my grandparents purchased a home on Whitman Street, the place they lived until just before they both had to enter a skilled nursing facility. For as long as I can remember, my great-grandmother on my grandmother’s side lived with them. And just down the road from this house was another Mom-n-Pop store: Stroman’s Grocery. Since my great-grandmother had no means of transportation, she often ordered cold drinks and other items from Stroman’s. And, of course, he delivered them to her front porch, all long before DoorDash and Instacart were born.

At sixty-five, I’m glad I can still hold on to these precious memories when time seemed to stand still. As we age, time seems to pass more quickly. I watched my mother, her mother, and my stepfather all suffer the debilitating cognitive effects of Alzheimer’s. I hope never to walk where they did. But even if I do forget most of all I know, I never have to worry about God forgetting me. Nor did the psalmist. He pleaded with God never to do what God never would.

When we choose to follow Christ, we don’t have to worry about him forsaking us, kicking us to the curb, or ceasing to love us. His love is eternal and unconditional. And to prove it, he has created an eternal home for us. He has also given us his Spirit as a present comforter, guide, and sustainer for all of life’s trials and triumphs.

Keep holding on to the one who will never let you go.

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