Airport Arrivals
The reunion was just like the opening sequence of the movie, “Love Actually”.
Reference: v.13 Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: My sister went and lived overseas for a year. During this time she made some great friends and had some incredible adventures.
Although we had phone and internet contact during that time, it wasn’t the same as having her around in person. In the lead up to her leaving we saw each other at least once a week. We attended the same church and had similar friendship circles.
How would I survive a whole year without her? I have to admit, there were a few tears shed on the way to dropping her off to the airport.
I clearly remember, twelve months later, standing at the arrivals gate, waiting for her to get off the plane. The year had gone quickly, but I’d missed her familiarity so much.
I was never worried that she would have changed or that things would be different. We were so close that I knew one year apart was not going to change us.
The reunion was just like the opening sequence of the movie Love Actually. Lots of hugs and kisses shared in public, in front of strangers who were waiting for their loved ones to walk through the airport doors.
I survived the year without her, but life is so much sweeter with her close by.
Application: While God is everywhere, He did at one point command His people to carve a box that was holy and connected to Him – the Ark of the Covenant.
They did this, but had it stolen from them during a time of disobedience. This would have been a huge regret to the people. They lost such a sacred focus of their faith.
Life went on without it, however, the celebrations that ensued when the Ark was returned were filled with rejoicing. They realised how important their God was, and having Him close by again renewed their faith and hope.
We can survive without God in our lives – millions of people do. However, our life is never sweeter than when we pour our hearts and our lives into following God. Knowing that He is near brings comfort, joy and a purpose like no other.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us when we turn from You. We get used to livimg without You and think that we are being fulfilled. But may we never forget what it is like to truly be close to You. Amen.
How close are you to God right now?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.