Sharing a sunset. Enjoying the presence of God.

by Lydia Floren

“Solitude is not withdrawal in order to get away.  It is withdrawal in order to be with Someone who normally gets crowded out of our lives…. it is the place of love and trust.  It therefore puts presence before action and seeks companionship before help.”   (Charles Rigma)

So many times when I am alone with God,  I have an agenda.  I might want perspective, or wisdom, or direction, or healing of some sort.  But I think much of that time with HIm  would be better spent not seeking anything, except to just hang out with Him.  No agenda. No words, really. Just two friends relishing a companionable silence—aware of each other, but not expecting from each other.  We have an understanding: I enjoy His presence, and He enjoys mine.  

I liken it to sitting with a close friend at the beach watching a sunset.   Though no words are exchanged, the  connectedness is almost palpable.  And the silence between us seems to magnify the beauty surrounding us.

In Heaven, I expect God and I will share many such quiet moments, enjoying the sweep of a mountain vista, the trill of a child’s laugh. Or the velvet touch of a horse’s nuzzle, or the fragrance of a rose in bloom.  But those experiences will pale compared to the stunning beauty of God Himself. His integrity. His wisdom. His vitality. His strength. His gentleness.

heaven is a ways off, thought, and there is much yet to do in this life. People to help.  Commitments to keep.  Plans to make, and then to follow.

There is a journey.  And I am on it. 

However, I must remember: part of that journey includes tasting a bit of heaven from time to time.  It is dangling my legs over a seawall with a Good Friend, watching the horizon together in companionable silence.  It is enjoying My Creator’s presence, not for what I can learn from Him, or for what He can do for me—but simply because He is there, and I love Him, and He loves me. 

And because it is just nice to share a sunset together.

Share with us: How do you find the time to enjoy God’s company?

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