Traveling away from Happy Valley over the holidays and back into bumper-to-bumper traffic, packed malls, and constant noise sometimes takes takes its toll on me. Growing up outside of Philly, I had always believed taking an entire hour to drive 20 miles was a normal thing. I guess you don't know any different when you're in it. But when you spend some time in a place where everywhere you need to go is just 15 minutes away or less, the Schuylkill becomes more dreaded than ever. An instant headache that's guaranteed to last at least as long as the stand-still traffic. Every time we trek back into Jersey I seem to wonder "How did I live here for so long and not go insane?" My husband (who actually rocks a tribute tattoo of his home state on his torso) can't help but to think the same.
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| Good Old Philadelphia |
Some trips, as the surrounding mountains are replaced by strip malls and the cows by countless cars, it feels as if we are driving away from God's presence. Our peaceful little town filled with friendly people becomes far away and as we near the city, people start cutting each other off with honks and fingers galore. But then the inevitable homeless person at the entrance to Ben Franklin says to my husband with an outstretched hand "God Bless ya man." And I'm reminded that He is most certainly here too!
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| View from Mount Nittany |
The tranquility of our beloved Happy Valley combined with our fellow friends in faith out here remind us daily that God lives here. But He is omnipresent. Everywhere. There is no where you can go where He won't also be. Maybe a tad bit intimidating to some, but how reassuring to me.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
No matter where we go, loud cities, rolling hills, spotless suburbs - God is there. At home, at work. Still there. In the sanctuary and on the streets. The same God. It may just be our own attitude that's preventing us from meeting Him there. When the world is loud, God is still there whispering. But you have to turn towards Him to hear Him. God promises us in His Word, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
He does not abandon us. No matter where we go, even Jersey! He's going there too, leading the way for us. God is everywhere - even my 3-year-old could tell me that, but this week I really needed that simple, true reminder. Maybe you did too.
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