"She Must Be Afraid of the Dark"

Elda Mae would carefully poke at the embers all night long. Every time I opened my eyes, I would see her hunching over the flames while strategically placing logs in just the right place to keep the fire softly burning its warmth, through our sleeping bags.
She would then quietly resume her chosen post at the edge of her bed, gazing between the glowing embers and the wooded area beyond. Thus were the times of long glorious summers camping under starry skies in the great outdoors during my teen years with trusted family friends.
As spring approached,...my sister and I would often look forward to these small summertime escapes.

I didn't see it then, but I see it now.
Elda Mae was setting a living example of unconditional love, the kind of love we dream about...and often longing for its' embrace.

I remember naively thinking she 'must' be afraid of the dark.. Now I know that, she was more concerned for us than she was for herself. I would often see her napping during the day, allowing her to endure the long nights of vigilance.

I think sometimes God allows us to have experiences like these, so that we might catch a glimpse of Him and His Way, a shadow of His enduring Love.

The Bible tells us that He never sleeps (Psalm 121:3,4)...and in this truth we can find confidence that He is always on watch...

Like much of life we see through a mirror dimly, but ''then'' we shall see face to face...( 1 Corinthians 13)
As I have grown older, I have learned to recognize and appreciate love lived out by an older, and wiser lady who kept the fires burning to keep us safe.
She knew we would be safest if someone were awake and always watching.

In this same way, there will come a day....
when we will fully understand...
how our heavenly Father has watched over us though many dark times,
gently sustaining us with the warmth of His Spirit....

.... And we didn't even know....

You may not understand how it can be, that there is One who loves you unconditionally...
But, it doesn't change the fact that He does.
His embrace is steady, sure and certain.
The love you long for,...
is no further....than whispering His name in the night....

When you find yourself in that place again, longing for unconditional love...
or even just a safe place to rest..
remember these words from Deuteronomy 4:29

".. from there you will search again for the Lord your God.
And 'if' you search for Him with all your heart and soul, ...you will find Him."