The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18
As Jackie and I spent a week this summer going through her family home to prepare it for sale, there were many emotions alongside moments of reflection for everyone. I recalled a prayer phrase Bishop Shelton would use with folks who were grieving and suffering – “God is near” – that became a breath prayer during this time of navigating some heavy days with Jackie and her family.
Each day of that week was a roller-coaster ride of joys and sorrows, with old photos making us pause so that a story could be told. Toys brought back memories of childhood and lots of laughter. Vinyl records, 8-track players, and cassette tapes reminded us of the bands we used to follow, and we laughed more as we realized our music is now considered classic rock. We handled hundreds of family items that held special meaning, trying to decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to place in the front yard for the “everything is free” tables.
As folks of all ages – preschool children, school-aged children, young adults, new parents, retirees – walked up the driveway to the front yard in search of a new treasure, or maybe something they needed, we were fortunate to interact with many members of the community. How fun to hear the joy of a young daughter shriek in excitement when she lifted up the doll to her mother, “Look, Mommy!”
God is near.
The woman, flabbergasted by the “everything is free” event, asked us for permission to share it on Facebook so others would know.
God is near.
The young couple, without a car, expressed how grateful they were for the two bikes they had acquired during their visit.
God is near.
There were folks who asked if we were cleaning out the house. When we shared, it was time for the family to prepare the house for sale after the death of Jackie’s Mom, over and over again, folks shared sincere words of hope and sorrow. Many had also journeyed this road and spoke truth about how hard it was, reassuring us we would get through it and to pace ourselves.
God is near.
One couple from Canada stopped and engaged us in conversation, sharing the name of the town they were from, which was not too far from where Jackie’s Mom had grown up in Quebec. Being a French Canadian, the man was a bit hesitant in expressing in English the right words to Jackie, as he wanted to make sure he conveyed the correct message. He said, “I don’t know how to say sympathie in English.” Jackie graciously replied, “That’s it.” The man asked, “Would it be alright to share a hug with you?” “Of course,” Jackie said. It was a heartfelt expression of God’s grace and love, embodying Jesus’ message for us to love our neighbor. This gentleman from Quebec certainly served as a conduit of God’s amazing love.
God is near, my friends.
Blessings, 
David