The Lord … be not far from every one of us. Acts 17:27
When my brother Bob and I were small boys growing up in Ohio, our father used to take us sometimes to an amusement park where one of the attractions was a maze, a labyrinth of artfully planned mirrors in which it was possible to get completely lost. Wherever you looked, whichever passage you chose, you ended by running into a reflection of yourself.
Being a minister, my father couldn’t resist pointing out a moral. “This maze,” he would say, “is just like life. No matter where you go, you can’t escape from yourself. So you had better try to be a worthwhile person, because you’ll never get away from that person no matter what you do!”
That was a valid lesson, and I remember it still. But what I remember best is the very first time we entered the maze and I somehow got separated from Bob and my father. Becoming more and more panicky, I finally cried for help. What a relief it was to hear my father’s strong, reassuring tones: “This way, Norman. I’m right over here. Just follow my voice. I’m right over here!”
And so he was. What a blessing it was to find him. And what a blessing it is to know that whenever we’re feeling lost or panicky as we move through life, a Person of infinite strength and love is calling out to us, “Just follow My voice and you’ll find the Way. I’m right over here!”
Dear Savior, teach us to reach for Your hand, knowing that it will always be there.
