Closer Than Before

Last week I pulled into the parking lot, got out of my car and headed toward the department store. Just a few steps behind me was a young couple with their daughter that looked to be about 5 years old. She was holding her father's hand, forcing it to swing back and forth while grinning from ear-to ear. When I glanced back I saw her look up at him and ask, “Daddy, are you afraid?” The father replied, “Not when I’m with you.”

In 1991 I moved to Arizona and one of the first things I did was to climb a small mountain and throw a kiss to God. One day, to my surprise, I read in the Old Testament that David used to do the same thing. But my 'in-love' attitude with my Jesus eventually changed. I guess I let go of His hand and wandered away for a while thinking that I didn't need Him as much anymore.

One night, during an exhausting trial in my life, I dreamt I was sitting on one of the four brilliant white steps that led to the Throne of God. My back was turned to Him, my head hanging down, my spirit crushed. God stepped down from His Throne, walked over to me, sat down on the step beside me, put His arm around me and said, "Cheryl, tell me what's on your mind." Then I woke up. For several years I tried to understand what that dream meant. Why would I tell God what was on my mind when He already knew, anyway? In time, the Lord taught me the meaning of my dream. . . .

He wants our attention and our love. He wants our time and our laughter. Our Father wants that same child-like love, joy and trust from us that we used to have when we were children. Yesterday, He reminded me that I have not thrown Him a kiss for a very long time.

Oh, if I could only have that dream back again I would treat God so differently. I would want to go for a walk and talk to Him. I'd take His hand and swing it back and forth grinning from ear-to-ear. If He were to ask me, "Cheryl, are you afraid?" I would look up at Him and say, "Not when I'm with You."

© Copyright  Cheryl Taul
June 16, 2006