We've been in Alabama for the last few months and that means we've been away from our family and most of our friends. Many of them have had serious troubles and hard times this summer and we've not been physically close by to support them and encourage them in their difficulties. It's the toughest part of being away from home.
These are the times we learn how faithful the Jesus is to us--when we're not right there beside our struggling family or friends, and when we pray--really pray--for the Lord to help them. These are the times we remember the promises we've read about, we recall the sermons we've heard about God's faithfulness and willingness to help us, when we remember the encouragement we've given others about the Lord's compassion for us and these are the times when we lean hard on these promises. It's when the rubber of our faith meets the road of our lives.
In my reading and reflection lately I've seen the bigger picture concerning our walk with Jesus. I realize that when we walk with Him, it's a private walk. It's Jesus and me. You may hear of my heartbreak or struggle and pray for me. You may call me in support and encourage me and these are good things and we all need our family in the Lord to do them, but when we come right down to what's going on, it's a private conversation, an intimate walk, just Jesus and me. In your life, it's just Jesus and you. How beautiful is that?
To have the Lord's full attention on me gives me all the more reason to give my full attention to Him. When I walk around the yard and check out my garden's progress (or lack thereof) or listen to the day's beginning with my cup of coffee on the front porch, I practice the presence of the Lord. We know that the Lord is with us all the time. We know he hears us when we call on Him and He lives in us, so isn't it also true that when I walk around my yard or enjoy my coffee that He is there and I can easily commune with Him? It is amazing!
It goes something like this: "Look at that huge squash, Lord! That thing is big!" What gorgeous blossoms are on my okra plants! Okra of all things!" "Those crows are so noisy, Jesus." "Why did you make them so loud and boisterous! I know some people like those crows, Lord!" Or, "Bless my children, Jesus. I miss them so."
It may sound silly to someone else, but Jesus is my friend and I want to share my time with Him. I want to share my thoughts with Him. I want to hear what He's saying to me. I want to communicate with Him, always, and in all ways. That's friendship at it's best. And that's when the road back to Florida doesn't seem so long and my days are full and my family isn't so far away. That's when trusting the Lord with them is a natural thing to do because I've spent the day with Him and I know He'll take good care of them.
We can't walk with Jesus for anyone but ourselves, through difficulties or the easy times, it's a personal walk, and a joyous one at that!
Lord, thank you for being my friend. My truly faithful friend! I cherish you and our time together.
Suz
