Not So Far Away After All

I’ve gone through numerous highs and lows in my spiritual life – times when I’ve felt close enough to God that I could almost touch Him, and times when He seems so far away that praying seems futile and I’m not sure He’s even there at all. The latter would describe my current feelings pretty well.

I mentioned these feelings as we visited with friends Saturday evening. Their responses were filled with compassion and understanding, and some shared their own experiences in such beautiful, descriptive ways that doubting was impossible.

Last night as I drifted off to sleep, I offered a prayer of thanks for my marvelous life. My partner, my friends, and even my home seem to be working in tandem to make my life as comfortable and happy as possible. That’s when it hit me… even when God seems to have completely disappeared, He’s still there. I see Him in the faces of my friends, my partner, even my pets. He permeates everything.

I got up this morning still thinking about this “revelation,” and remembered the words of an old song with much greater understanding.

Yes, I see God
Where the mountains reach the sky
I see God
When the eagle starts to fly
I see God
In a little baby’s smile
I see God
And He makes my life worthwhile
Yes, I see God
When the bridegroom meets his bride
I see God
In a father’s loving eyes
I see God
When a mother starts to cry
I see God
In a love that never dies
I see God
Where the people meet to pray
I see God
In the things they do and say
I see God
When the little children play
I see God
And I know He’s near always
I see God
Yes, I see God

- From “Yes, I See God” by Dolly Parton