I AM RIGHT HERE WITH YOU

My dear Uncle Ken worked as a custodian at the high school I attended years ago. I was fortunate to have him there with me, as a friend, mentor–and guardian.

One day, a few of us students were in the gymnasium, hanging “spirit banners” high on the walls to encourage our basketball team. With a rolled-up banner and masking tape in hand, I climbed the industrial-sized ladder to hang my first one. All went smoothly until I turned to come back down–and realized just how far I could fall. The view is much different looking down from the top!

I froze in place, terrified.

And just that quickly, my uncle was up the ladder, standing beside me. “I’m right here with you,” he quietly assured me. We then backed down each step together, his presence on the step beneath me, his arms on the rails beside me, surrounding me as a protective shield against a possible mishap. I may have been embarrassed, but I was no longer afraid.

As I remember this incident, I see how my uncle demonstrated God’s loving care and presence that day. Uncle Ken didn’t question my judgment, asking “What were you thinking?” or “Did you not consider how high you would get?” He didn’t stand at the bottom and scold, “You got yourself up there, now get yourself down.” He didn’t shame me by saying, “Don’t be such a coward.” He didn’t discount my fear with statements like, “There’s nothing to be afraid of,” or “You’re not even up that high.”

He just accompanied me on the way down.

So it is with God. I am certain there will be other times when my exuberance or impulsiveness will win over wisdom and discernment. I will eagerly pursue a new invitation or challenge, thinking I am more capable, available, or prepared than I really am. And God will go with me, knowing the ways I will eventually falter, fear, or fail. If I wander too far into unknown territory, climb too high in pursuit of a dream, reach too far in eagerness to help, or take on burdens I can no longer carry, I may then find myself humiliated, frustrated, disappointed, or grieved.

But I will also find God ready for my very next step, surrounding and assuring me in Infinite Love, “I’m right here with you.”

(Photo by Karen, Peak, SC)