When our son left us this morning to fly back to California, (He’s a physical therapist and he came for a week to help his dad, me, recover from knee surgery) he commented on how well he sleeps when he comes here. He sleeps in his childhood bed. His body must remember all the lumps and bumps and it loves it. His bed will remain empty tonight as I stand in the doorway remembering the thousands of nights I slipped in beside that bed to watch him sleep and to give the last touch of the day. My job was to care for him, now he cares for me though he did not know that last night I slipped in one more time.
Surely there can be no verse of Scripture more meaningful than I Peter 5:7, “He cares for you.” By calling Himself the Good Shepherd Jesus wanted to assure us we were not alone amid life’s storms and dangers. There is someone bigger, stronger and more attentive than we. We never have to fear the mockery or ridicule of an Elijah-like figure when he poked fun at the followers of Baal. “It came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleeps, and must be awaked.” Our God is always attentive and notes our every sigh.
For reasons beyond our comprehension He must sometimes allow us frustration and suffering but if we will trust Him someday all will be clarified and we will know he was always there, always caring.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 24, 2008
Photograph by Martin Damboldt
Spring of Life, 901 Signorelli Circle, St. Helena, CA 94574