Through a glass dimly...

I took the boys to the dentist today. It was the first time for Jonathan, and I wasn't too sure how he was going to behave. I asked to go into the room with him, but because I had Lily with me and there are x-rays being taken close by, we were only allowed to go in up to a certain point. I stood at a window, able to see the boys who were waiting their turn in the x-ray room. Joshua entered first, leaving Jonathan out by himself in the hallway. I waved through the window to him, trying to give him a "it will be ok" smile. But, instead of waving and smiling back, he just looked around nervously. He looked my way, and I smiled again, but he did not respond. It was at that point, I realized I was looking through a one-way window. I could see him, but all he could see was a mirror reflecting his unfamiliar surroundings. Although I could see him and wanted to reassure him that everything was going to be alright, I couldn't. I was so close to him, yet he didn't even realize I was there.

I began to think about this situation...how it is often that way between us and God. We have walls that we have erected, barriers that keep us apart from his presence. He is always there, so very close, but sometimes we can't see him at all. Sometimes we feel like we are all by ourselves, in unchartered territory. It is in those times, that His word is so important to light our feet and guide our paths. It's convicting power can break through the tallest of walls, the deepest depths and widest chasms. God is always there, reassuring us, cheering us on...he is not hiding from us, but rather is waiting for us to move closer to Him so that we can have a more personal conversation. I am so thankful that God, unlike the dentist's office, does not put up barriers to keep us out, but rather builds bridges to reach beyond what we ever thought was imaginable. He is closer to us than I think we even really imagine, always at work around us.

The boys came out of the office with smiles and goodie bags filled with toothbrushes, floss and stickers. I left the office with a nugget of truth that the Lord deposited in my heart. One that I will not too quickly forget.