Call Me Gloria

 "The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything." Philippians 4: 5-6

    As the mother of four daughters, my mom had her hands full. Often would she hear, "Mom, where's my _____?" or "Mom, can I go to _____?" or "Mom, watch me!" At times when weary she would quip, "I'm going to change my name to Gloria!"

    As I watch my granddaughter grow, I am reminded of how much a child needs her mother. Lauren will send her out to play, hoping for a few untethered moments to accomplish a task, yet there's a knock at the door within minutes. "Mommy!" 

    Recalling my own childhood experiences, I'd restlessly await sleep upon my bed. Always a little anxious, I would need that blessed reassurance of my mom's presence, so I'd call out, "Mom, what time is it?" Not concerned about the time, I just needed to hear her voice.

    My morning devotional lead me to the familiar passage of Philippians chapter four, but today, it spoke to me anew: It's enough for me to know the Lord is near, just like my mother always was, and though He has far more children than four, He never gets exasperated when I call upon Him. 

    My heavenly Father is patient. He is kind and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love. He never slumbers nor sleeps, so I can call out to Him at any time of night or day. He lives up to His Name: Immanuel - God with us! 

    And when, at the close of my days, I reach the golden shore, I will look over my shoulder and say with quiet conviction, "Surely goodness and mercy followed me all the days of my life. Now I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!" (Psalm 23:6)

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7