Together

It was a moment in time, a moment so simple, yet so beautiful and moving that there were tears in my eyes. I was playing with one of my favorite little boys. He was curled up inside a cardboard box pretending to be a baby cicada. A very cute baby cicada :)  But suddenly it just hit me (as it often does), how beautiful a gift it is just to simply be with other people. I'm not even sure how to describe it, but there's just something breathtakingly wonderful and special about being present with someone, especially someone you love. Suddenly the dirty dishes and unswept floor just don't seem quite so important. The worries about tomorrow somehow loosen their grip. I revel in these moments.

I've been learning a lot these last few years about the journey (the pilgrimage). There really can be joy in the journey, if we stop to find it. Sharing life with others, being present, walking together, learning together, encouraging one another, lifting each other up in prayer, bearing one another's burdens, these things all bring joy. We are the body of Christ after all, working together for one great purpose. I'm more grateful than I have words for, to be a part of this body, to know I am far from alone on my journey. It's often difficult in our individualistic society, to really connect with people. But this connection, this community, is one if the greatest gifts Jesus has given us. One which continues through eternity!

But even this great gift pales in comparison to the greatest gift. We have the privilege of a constant companion. One who never leaves our side, never gives up in us, even carries is when we need Him to. I still can't comprehend that the King of the universe would want to be present with me, walk with me! But it's true. He says:

"NEVER will I leave you. NEVER will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5, emphasis mine).

Life takes on an incredible sweetness when we walk with Jesus. His mere presence changes everything. Burdens are lighter, fears are banished, and there is joy! Just because He is. I can think of no greater gift than the presence and companionship of Jesus Himself. And He is everything. We need nothing else.

Together, we can face anything. Together, life is sweeter. Together we walk, together we live, together we fight. Thank you Jesus, not alone,

Together