Presence
As some of you heard, this past week we had to put down our faithful companion of 14 years, Daisy. While the rational side of the brain knows that it was the right thing to do, for her and for our sanity, the reality is she is missed. Daisy was a great lookout at the window and greeter of guests. She loved to take walks, threaten local squirrels and stand proudly astride the bike cart as the wind whipped her ears back. But what I miss most is her presence. I can't tell you how many times in the last few days I have instinctively looked for her, moved my feet for her, thought I heard her, went to close the door so she wouldn't get out, etc ... only to realize she was no longer present.
The negative space, i.e. missing her presence, has highlighted for me a Presence that I may at times overlook, but will never go away. Listen to how David, a man who knew life on the run, put it: "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:7–10)". It will be many a morning until I forget what I am missing with Daisy gone, but I will let that loss remind me of the Presence I will never lose.
We are coming into the home stretch with the book of Hebrews. This week we finish out chapter 12 and take up the first 6 verses of chapter 13 (Hebrews 12:25-13:6). Here the preacher leverages the high theology he has been expounding into incredibly practical applications - be hospitable, care for prisoners, maintain a sexual ethic, and be content with what you have. It may be just me, but it seems pretty relevant for today!