Dear Lord; Happy Friday Father!

Well Father, we’ve once again come to the end of another work-week and the gateway to the coming weekend.  Earlier this afternoon, In preparation for a fun, relaxed evening at home with Shannon and the boys, I ventured over to the Super Wal*Mart to grab some quick supplies for homemade calzones.  I generally try to avoid the big “supercenters” as much as humanly possible, but as it’s very close to my office and I only needed a couple of items, I decided to throw caution to the wind and go nonetheless.

It was rather busy (as it usually is on Friday afternoons) but I was able to find what I needed reasonably quickly, and soon found myself standing in line at the express checkout, waiting to pay for my groceries.

And then suddenly, I felt a disturbance in the force.

I glanced over my shoulder, and noticed that the man in line behind me was amazingly close by … I mean, no more than a foot or so away.  I took a step forward to the checkout, attempting to widen the gap, but he followed my movements, maintaining his proximity to me.  I placed my items on the checkout bed, and he again followed suit by placing his right behind mine.  Thankfully, I had a very small purchase, so I quickly paid the cashier and as soon as my change had been returned, I instigated a hasty stride for the exit.

Sitting in my truck shortly thereafter, I took a deep breath and began to settle a bit.  The gentleman hadn’t actually touched me at any point, but I felt as though my “space” had been infiltrated all the same; he’d breached my “bubble”, and all the alarms in my head sounded the trespass.

“You used to react that way to Me too…” I felt You tell me.

Wow Father… I did, didn’t I…

For many years, whenever You tried to get closer to me I ran for the proverbial exit.  I see this in hindsight of course, as at the time I wasn’t even 100% convinced of Your existence, much less Your desire to be a part of my life.  But as I sift through the events of my troubled young-adulthood, I realize that You tried to get my attention… A lot.  Each time the attempt was made however, I retreated into myself further and closed my bubble around me like a force field.

I’m so thankful that’s changed Father.  Welcome to my Personal Space.  🙂

When I began my journey back to You Lord, I found that the more I welcomed You into my life, the more of Your presence I desired.  I need You as close to me as possible Father; close enough that it becomes indistinguishable where I end, and where You begin.

That continues to be my prayer Father… Draw me closer, share my bubble.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

~Phather Phil