Near (04/22/2025)

When my children were very young, we had a rule: “Stay near me so I can help you.” One doesn’t have to be an Einstein to recognize that three children between the ages of 3 and 5 going in different directions can present a perilous predicament. So, when we’d go places, I’d carry three small bags with their favorite toys, I’d have them sit on the floor at my feet and play with their toys.

As they grew, we expanded the rule to include, “If I can’t reach you, you are too far away.” So, on walks in town where traffic was a concern or in stores where things can go south quickly, the three learned to go on adventure but never farther than their mom’s reach. The kids and I had an understanding that I was there for them.

The month after my oldest daughter turned 6, became quite ill and was hospitalized, it was determined that she had rheumatic fever. She was going to need to be in hospital for a while. As we got her settled in, she asked me if I was going to “stay near.” I promised her I would. And I was. My husband and the neighbors helped with the two younger children.

In my life, I have realized that I need a similar relationship with my LORD. “Stay near so I can help you.” As a lover of scripture, I recall the LORD’s words to Jeremiah (ch. 23), “Am I a God who is near and not a God far off?” And I recall my Savior’s words, “Remain in me as I remain in you and you will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).

My LORD, I have found, is trustworthy. This week, as I celebrate the Easter miracle of Jesus’ resurrection made necessary because of His death for me and for all because of our sins, I realize how easy it would have been for Jesus to walk away, to be safe, to let me fend for myself. But He didn’t do that. He remained. He stayed near so that He could save us.

The older I get, ironically, the more I understand my need for the LORD, and I draw upon the LORD’s nearness for grace, for courage, for guidance, for peace, all because of His love for me. I remember the times I got too far away – and I admit it was me who moved.

And so this day, I pray that all of us journeying through this life will draw upon the goodness of a LORD who remains with us, who cares for us, whose love helps us to navigate and to believe, and to belong, and to become. I pray that we recognize His abiding presence. And I pray that we never stray.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.