In productive work and deep rest
In time alone and time with others
In timely sermons and songs of hope
In trees lining a rushing creek on a rainy day and a chance to sit and stare and listen
In an “Ode to Joy” on repeat all week long in rehearsal after rehearsal
In walks with friends and time on the floor with babies
In great hugs (and bananas) given generously from your favorite four year old
In clarity about next steps about a big decision even when it comes with disappointment
In dozens of students continuing to show up on campus desperately seeking connection and love and ultimately Jesus
In conversations that just can’t be ‘coincidence’
In friends and mentors and colleagues who stop and listen and really hear and help point the right direction
In unexplainable peace
In a team that KEEPS working together week after hard, awesome week
In safety of friends and family through medical procedures
In good food for my body and good encouragement for my soul
In the chance to sit still and listen to professional musicians rehearse for two hours paying attention to every little detail
In relief and hope
In cancelled meetings that provided the gift of unexpected time
In having a clean kitchen
In a few nights of really good sleep
In the sound of rain
In a fuzzy blanket and warm homemade chai latte’s with “Kansas Sunset Chai” tea
In all this and more, I know You are near, God.
You make it undeniable, whether my eyes are open or not.
Again and again You show up.
Again and again You find new ways to remind me.
Again and again you promise and prove:
I AM HERE.
I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
I am Immanuel–which means God with us. (Matthews 1:23)
I am among you, a mighty one who will save. I will rejoice over you with gladness, quiet you by My love and exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
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