Presence

"Submit yourselves, therefore, to God.... Draw near to God and he will draw near to you." James 4:7-8

...attendance
Attending a birthday party or sending a card. Giving a hug to your mom or sending an email. Holding my niece in person or seeing a picture. Being there or not. Present or absent. We appreciate when someone is with us in spirit, but it is oh so much better when their bodies come along with them. To laugh and chat at the birthday party. To feel mom's arms around me. To look into the eyes of the newborn niece. We experience the difference between presence and absence of special people in our lives daily.

...absent
Two days ago, we were present for the last time with our church family here in Estonia. Breaking bread together, encouraging one another, spending time together, knowing that we will be absent in these family celebrations from now on. We shed buckets of tears and used plenty of tissue. We hugged and sniffled our way through so many good-byes. They will feel our absence and we will feel theirs. Our brothers and sisters in Estonia sent us as we embark on a new mission with love and encouragement. Our pastor gave us a very timely reminder about God's presence in our lives.

...present
How sad it would be if God were not present. How wonderful when we experience his arms of love around us. "Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." His nearness is so precious, the reality of God so reassuring. But until we lay everything on the altar, submitting completely to his will in obedience, drawing near to him on his terms, he does not reveal his presence completely either. We cannot prove the delights of his love until we choose to trust and obey. We walk through this week of good-byes sensing the absence of dear friends already. We walk in obedience and trust, and God's nearness, his powerful presence enfolds us, surrounds us, and allows us to carry on in hope. He attends me. He shows up, in person. He, the maker of heaven and earth, chooses to reveal himself and draws near to me.