There are so many places in this world I would love to see. Destinations out of my reach, but yet longing to experience the beauty, mystery, and emotions in experiencing Gods most beautiful, most awesome places on earth.  Knowing these things are unattainable for several reasons, I take comfort in looking at the artistry of God, such as sunsets and sunrises, a night sky filled with twinkling stars, the full moon shining as a night light for all, fields of wildflowers, and colored Autumn leaves, just to name a few.   I also listen to the sounds that bring joy to me such as waves hitting the shore, a cardinal singing his little heart out, the breezes blowing through the trees and the sound of a distant train in the night.  As much as I love all of the above, and though I cherish those moments, there is one place that I can be which is the most treasured of all.  I don’t even have to leave my home, save my money or pack a suitcase.  You see, the place I desire above all others is to be in God’s presence.  Now, I know He is always with me and I never need fear that He doesn’t see me, hear me or love me.  Yet there are moments when He just fills you and everything else fades as His love takes over every  thought and every emotion.  These treasured moments can come to us in a variety of ways, but for me, they usually come through music or song.

  Example:  The other day I am driving home and this song I love comes on the radio.  As the words were sung, the cries of my heart overwhelmed me. I began crying and felt as though God was hugging me, His presence saturating my very being.  I pulled in my driveway, and just sat there with my eyes closed, crying.  It felt so good, so heavenly, because I not only knew God was there, I felt Him there.  I wanted to stay there forever, basking in His love. My soul felt so connected to Him.  Oh how beautiful it was, enjoying His Presence, as my heart once again filled with hope and peace.  I wanted that moment to never end. When it did, I asked God, “Why does it have to end? I just want to stay here, in this moment with You.”  It was so real, His love embracing me and the intimacy we were sharing.  At that moment I longed for heaven, for if this was so amazing in this world, oh, how unimaginable it will be in heaven as we gather around His Throne! How humbling to praise Him and Glorify His Name as we gaze upon His face!  His radiance will fall upon us and His glory will fill all of Heaven! And no one will need to ask Him, “Why does it have to end?” because it won’t and we will bask in His love forever. That moment will be eternal. 

  I am so grateful for those personal times with God.  It’s moments like that which make everything worthwhile.  Sometimes we all just need a moment to reconnect, to be assured and to feel the embrace of our loving Heavenly Father. It’s not something we can create or bring about on our own; rather it is a deep desire to know Him, as He desires to make Himself known, especially in the darkest days of our lives.  I’m reminded again that I matter.  He loves me; in all of my weakness and fear, in my failures and doubts, He loves me.  And you know something?  He loves you too.  Deeply, unconditionally and eternally.  He loves you, because He created you and you matter.  Never, ever, forget that.  And if you ever find yourself starting to forget, ask God for a little reminder.  You may be awestruck when He answers you. God Bless.