Thousands of years ago the psalmist wrote: "If I could fly on the wings of dawn, stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean—even there your hand would guide me; even there your strong hand would hold me tight!" Psalm 139:9-10
Today these words sing to my heart. Not only am I traveling, but several of those I love are traveling too. We are not a jet-setter family, but modern life has many of us traveling for many reasons -- health, grief, serving in new ways, meeting new family -- with love being the foundation of each choice to travel.
So, though the details have changed, we are ever dealing with feeling anxious when we cannot know our loved ones are near, just as our ancestors did when they or their loved ones moved (or were moved) to new places with no email or cell phones and very spotty mail service. Of course, if we think for even a moment, we realize we can be standing next to someone and still have an accident befall or news of illness or sorrow reach us. So, is it better to watch up close every risk our loved one faces or to pray and support from afar? Whatever God asks us to do we need to remember that we are not in charge -- ever -- whether near or far!
Fortunately, if our loved one is frightened or injured or uncertain, God is fully with them whether they are by our side or thousands of miles away.
I have read stories of people who developed a heart to pray for a situation or a people and years later their children or grandchildren found a way to assist in just that matter. It makes me think I have ancestors who prayed for their descendants because we have so much love in our families. So I have begun praying not just for my children and their children but for all the children who will come after. And this makes me strong to build a life that will speak of God's love to them.
Because of this I believe it is never too late to pray for our families, to learn ourselves new ways to love, and always to the end of our days here, to live as Jesus lived: offering forgiveness, and giving hope, love, faith and joy in full measure.
All Mighty and Omnipresent God, thank You that we are always in Your tender care, no matter where we are. You hear us at all times and in all places. You love us, no matter what. You know what will get us to our highest good and promise to help us do that when we ask and listen to You. AMEN
Today these words sing to my heart. Not only am I traveling, but several of those I love are traveling too. We are not a jet-setter family, but modern life has many of us traveling for many reasons -- health, grief, serving in new ways, meeting new family -- with love being the foundation of each choice to travel.
So, though the details have changed, we are ever dealing with feeling anxious when we cannot know our loved ones are near, just as our ancestors did when they or their loved ones moved (or were moved) to new places with no email or cell phones and very spotty mail service. Of course, if we think for even a moment, we realize we can be standing next to someone and still have an accident befall or news of illness or sorrow reach us. So, is it better to watch up close every risk our loved one faces or to pray and support from afar? Whatever God asks us to do we need to remember that we are not in charge -- ever -- whether near or far!
Fortunately, if our loved one is frightened or injured or uncertain, God is fully with them whether they are by our side or thousands of miles away.
I have read stories of people who developed a heart to pray for a situation or a people and years later their children or grandchildren found a way to assist in just that matter. It makes me think I have ancestors who prayed for their descendants because we have so much love in our families. So I have begun praying not just for my children and their children but for all the children who will come after. And this makes me strong to build a life that will speak of God's love to them.
Because of this I believe it is never too late to pray for our families, to learn ourselves new ways to love, and always to the end of our days here, to live as Jesus lived: offering forgiveness, and giving hope, love, faith and joy in full measure.
All Mighty and Omnipresent God, thank You that we are always in Your tender care, no matter where we are. You hear us at all times and in all places. You love us, no matter what. You know what will get us to our highest good and promise to help us do that when we ask and listen to You. AMEN
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