Text Me (11/29/2023)

Yesterday I got two texts reminding me of upcoming commitments. And they required a response from me, a commitment that I would keep my promise to be where I’d promised to be at the designated time. As I responded, I felt grateful for the reminder. And, you won’t be surprised, I’m sure, to learn that my mind drifted a bit upward and I wondered how life would be different if heaven sent me reminders of my promises. What if that special “text from heaven” alert sounded on my phone frequently. Wouldn’t that be helpful?

And then I came to my senses. Really, Kate? The LORD already surrounds me with reminders. They aren’t texts. They are more subtle, it’s true. But they are no less powerful if I allow myself to notice. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t see and touch the crucifix I carry in my pocket as a reminder to me of my Savior’s loving gift to ensure that I have life.

There isn’t a day that I don’t see the wonders about me in creation and recognize that our LORD is all-loving, all-present. There isn’t a day that I don’t see others and recognize in them my LORD, our common origin, and our common hoped for destination. There isn’t a day that somewhere along the way the LORD “thumps” me to pay attention. How I appreciate those thumps.

I think of Jesus’ words to us the night before his death, in His final discourse not only to His disciples present that night but to His disciples throughout the ages. “I am the vine; you are the branches…without me, you can do nothing.” His constant invitation that night to “remain in me” is one that I pray daily I will do. And so, while I don’t get texts from my LORD, I am blessed daily by His love, by the gift of His Spirit, by the certainty of His presence. And I find myself promising Him, “I’m coming.” I don’t know the day; but it is my aim to keep this promise, with His help.

This day, as we continue our journey on His Way, in His service, led by faith, strengthened by hope, and fueled by love, let us recognize His presence to us. It is all around us. It is within us. We don’t really need a reminder text.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.