Familiar Footsteps...

Gary L. Thomas

"I was driving home from speaking at a church late one Sunday evening. I had promised then seven-year-old Kelsey earlier in the day that I'd be home in time to tuck her in to bed. As the clock crept past 8.30, I started to get anxious and called Lisa to tell her to keep Kelsey awake.

"She's spending the night at Laura's house," Lisa said.

"But I promised I would tuck her in!"

   I thought for a second and added, "I've got an even better idea. Call Jennie and Tom (Laura's parents) and tell them I'll be there about 9:00. Ask them not to tell Kelsey, though. I want it to be a surprise."

   30 minutes later, Tim welcomed me into his house and silently pointed towards Laura's bedroom. I walked down the hallway, opened the door, and saw Kelsey's face peeking out of Laura's bed.

"Hi there, Pop-tart!"

Kelsey giggled but didn't look the least bit surprised.

"Did you know I was coming here?" I asked her.

"No, but I heard your footsteps coming down the hall, so I figured you came here to tuck me in."

   How did Kelsey know it was me, when she had no reason to expect my arrival? Apparently she had become so familiar with the cadence of my steps that she would know them anytime, anywhere.

   May we also become so familiar with God's footsteps, and may our hearts be so used to the cadence of his approach and the gentle footfall of his shoes, that when He breaks into our lives, we'll know it's him, regardless of what environment we're in or where we're sleeping.

   If we have this kind of relationship with God - if we're this captivated by His love - we won't be surprised if he meets us in mourning. We won't be caught off guard if we find his footsteps guiding us through difficulty and even suffering; we won't feel abandoned if his footsteps take us through persecution, or if in following him we know we must learn to forgive others and serve the sick, the imprisoned, or those with disabilities.

   Listening to God's footsteps in even the most difficult circumstances will lead to a fire-test life, to a truly authentic faith. Although some may call it a hard life, I believe it is the most joyous, the richest and the most meaningful life possible."

Amen...

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