NOTHING COULD KEEP MY LOVE FROM YOU

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

I recently had an "AHA Moment" with God. Actually...it was more of a "Duh Moment" with Jill!! During quiet time with the Lord, I felt Him completely reveal something that has been on my heart for over a year!

When we first moved here, we had the opportunity to meet a wonderful, incredible family. Our bond was immediate. For kids and parents alike. We were fast, close friends!

Then, the Lord moved them away. What a hard day for us. While we delighted in the answer to prayer that this move provided, it was one of the saddest days we had to endure.

In the end, we were left wondering why in the world God would bring us here and bond us closest with those He would then move away. Both families have pondered the fact long and often...on our own and together. It is hard to understand the will of God at times (most times, I dare say!!), and that is where we rest. We are in hope that someday, in Heaven, the Lord Himself, will reveal the reason for this season in our lives.

I think, however, that God is revealing a little bit of His heart in this matter right now. Some parts have come together recently and I feel like I see a little more of the tapestry I am woven into.

My friend, Shirin, and I now have phone dates. We share our hearts and our lives. We pray for one another, and delight in the antics of each other's children. We laugh, we cry and we always hang up feeling fulfilled and loved. We are supported. No matter how far we live from one another, we are still here for one another.

And that is just how it is with God! We can't see Him...we don't always feel the closeness. Sometimes, we wonder WHY He is so far from us. BUT...as believers, we always, always know He is with us. He cares for us, He loves us and He supports and fulfills us. The distance means nothing. It is the heart connection that means EVERYTHING! Could it be He moved our friends to remind us that nothing can separate us from Him?? I think that is, at least, part of it!

And here is another part, I believe. Recently, the Schnuens came to visit us from CA for Sam's first birthday, and then Joe came for just a couple of days for business a couple of weeks ago. The parting got harder each time we had to say good-bye...but it was nothing compared to the joy of each reunion!! Seeing each face and actually getting to hug them all, eat together, play together, pray together! It was GLORY!! And just a glimpse of what I believe our reunion in Heaven will be like and our face to face union with our Lord and Savior!!! And the best part is we can now imagine the overwhelming joy of not having to ever say good-bye again!!!

I am amazed, also, in how many friends I now have whom I have never met face to face. During our adoption of Sam, I have "met" many wonderful friends through various forums. I desire so much to travel to Georgia, Hawaii, California, New Jersey, the Carolinas, Aurora and on and on just so I can gaze on the faces of these special friends in person! It reminds me of how we are to long for Heaven. Our true home, where we are blessed to be in the company of our LORD and fellow believers forever. There are so many saints who have gone before us that I never knew, and I long to see them all....just like I long to see Chelle, Connie, Debbie, Randi, Becky, Holly, Tracey,Rosemary, Lisa and Kelly!

And what about the friends and family I miss so much in California?! They remind me of our loved ones who are departed. The ones we KNOW we will see someday again. I am planning a trip to California in June and I already am thinking of all the things I want to do and talk about with my friends and family there. Just like I can't wait to see what my Grandfather is gardening in Heaven, and what kind of artwork my Gramma is creating these days up there!

I take great comfort in the fact that the Lord has a reason for these distances. I praise Him, that He desires us to know that He will never leave, nor forsake us! I thank Him for every glimpse of Heaven and Heart that He allows us! Some day we will all be together forever in the Glory of the Lord....but until then....He is with us still! Praise God!