Passage: Matthew 28:20b
"... and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age".
It is safe to say that in every person's life, there are seasons. Periods of time that are either positive, or negative... daring or cautious. Surely, there are too many to list here - but these same periods are to what I refer when I speak of traveling, "over the fields". Just as every season of life is different - unique, so too are the fields of the land, each one having a different terrain. Some are rocky, others freshly plowed. Some have steep inclines, and others are as smooth and flat as glass.
Have you ever taken a walk with Mom? I suggest that we all have... even if the paths are vastly diverse, and the characters may be different. You see, it's not required that you actually step out of the house... nor is it necessary to grab the woman who gave birth to you in order to walk with Mom.
No, walking with Mom is my way describing the bond of a relationship that takes place with anyone wherein there is a mutual respect, admiration, and love for one another. And, though it goes without saying, it might be worth reminding us all that such relationships don't just, "happen", but they are the product of much work and effort - as together, we cross, "over the fields" of life.
I have come to the conclusion that life simply wouldn't be life without obstables. If our planet consisted of nothing but fields, not only would we have a pretty monotonous existence, but we would be buffeted by the winds, and our supply of oxygen would be scarce, indeed. I thank God for the "woods" in life!
Consider the woods for a moment. Surely they serve a dual purpose. They provide protection and life support for us, and in that regard, we recognize our need of them on a daily basis. But have you ever tried to walk through the woods? It is just about impossible to carve a straight path. The very thing we rely upon for daily needs becomes an obstacle as we encounter it. And there is one thing that is for sure - in life, we all must go, "through the woods" from time to time.
Here's the test for whether you are, "walking with Mom", or just traveling on the path of life next to someone... Mom will go through the woods WITH you! That is to say, that when you have struggle a little (or a LOT!), she'll not leave you alone -- but rather, she will be right there with you, embracing even that part of your life - and helping you through the woods of life, a constant reminder of the fields that are on the other side.
Okay... is all this a little too abstract for you? Here's the deal:
I owe my "adopted" Mom a walk! And, even though we were there at her house for almost a week, things got so busy that we never really had our chance to take it. That walk means more to us, individually as well as corporately, than either of us can probably put into words... and the fact that we missed it this time, and don't know when the next time we will have the opportunity to see each other again has weighed heavily upon my heart for several days now.
But, it was as I was praying about the whole thing that I kind of realized... we have been taking our walk for two years now!! And believe me, friends, it is no exaggeration to say that we have indeed walked together, "over the fields and through the woods"!! Through it all, all the tough times, all the tears, all the joys and all the victories... my "Mom" has been right there with me. And believe it or not, through her... I see Christ!
Ah... here we go - you didn't think I would, "wax nostalgic" without somehow tying in some Biblical truth, now did you? Not to disappoint, I direct your attention to the last half of Matthew 28:20, where it reads, "... and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age". These are the words of Christ... and they are a comfort to our hearts, and speak life and hope to our spirits.
It is this example - the example of Christ - that I see in my walks with Mom. I know that here on this earth, I have someone that will be there, through thick or thin, through difficult times and times of plenty. And here's the beauty part: I know that we will continue our walks throughout eternity, as together we will worship the Lord in spirit and truth in our heavenly home!! (I wonder if she will still bake those yummy lemon poppy seed muffins up there...)
Are you walking with Mom today? Have you developed such relationships in your life? If the answer is yes, then we rejoice together in the goodness of God to us for allowing such to be a reality for us. If the answer is no, I encourage you to open your heart to what the Lord has for you - surely there is a "Mom" out there for you... someone who will represent Christ well, and one who will walk, "over the fields, and through the woods" with you in this life.
(By the way, Mom... I still owe you that walk!! I wasn't trying to get out of that one!)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the "Moms" in our lives. Thank you for caring so much about us that you bring such deep relationships into our lives, and help us to recognize the value of those people, and work as hard as is necessary to maintain those relationships. And Lord, help us to be "Mom" for others - always looking out for others, and esteeming them higher than we do ourselves. Help us to follow the example of Christ while here in this life, and we will rejoice in the reality of our eternity together in heaven!! We pray this with gratitude in the name of Jesus. Amen!
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Eric Reamer is an evangelist, and full time Christian Illusionist. If you enjoy this devotional, please e-mail Eric at: Eric@IllustratedIllusions.com.
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