I discovered something today.  Over the last six months, I have missed a lot of church and I have missed a lot of fellowship.  As I entered church today with Joshua, it felt like coming home.  Even though it is a new building and the transition has been tough, the faces that surrounded me were family.  Young and not so young, old friends and new – it didn’t matter.  I was wrapped in such wonderful love.  One dear sister just caught my eye as she entered the chapel but I knew the moment our eyes met that our hearts were connected.  Another sister who has been gone for couple of years was there this morning and it felt like she had never left.  Then my Daddy walked in.  How can I explain the fullness of my heart when I saw his face?

I was overjoyed to see them all.  With each hug and tender word, I was reminded that they love me and have loved me whether I have been with them or not.  Joshua was very tired so we didn’t stay for service but I was renewed, refreshed and rejoicing as we drove home.

I have been absent in body but I am convinced that I have been present in their hearts.  Doesn’t that remind you of the verse that says, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”?

One of our sisters is going away for a time – after this morning, I hope she discovers the same thing I did – though she may be absent from this “body”, she will continue to be present in our hearts.

And one day we will be present with our Savior.  I caught just a glimpse of what a delight that day will be.  “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine – oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!”

Larrie and Rhonda