No Barriers

 

We were driving through the Green Mountain National Forest yesterday in Vermont.  Such true beauty, even in the middle of winter.  On either side of us were incredible mountains and mountain views.  One can truly feel as if they were in a mountain tunnel, with no way to escape but to move forward or backward.  As we continued on our journey, I looked out over the mountains and brooks and the expanse of meadows.  It gave new meaning to ‘being in the middle of nowhere.’

Throughout our marriage, my husband and I have often discussed the dream of living far removed from civilization.  As much as we believe it will bring peace and relaxation into our lives, there is also a sense of distancing - being separated from people.  There are days that this separation sounds like pure joy.  Yet, as we all know, there are pros and cons to every life situation, including separation from civilization.

I have always loved this particular verse in the Bible.  Whether there are days where I value a sense of isolation or days that isolation brings me sadness, I can revel in the fact that I am truly never alone.  No matter where I am, or more importantly, what I do, my Jesus will always love me and be near me.  I have to admit, there have been times in my life when I wished I could be separated from Jesus.  Sins that I have committed or thoughts that I had led me to try and ‘be separated’ from Jesus.   Why would I want that separation?  I do not want Him to be disappointed in me.

I then think about this distance from Jesus and my heart aches.  The one person who I can always rely on, why would I want any barrier between Him and me?  Then, this verse comes to mind and is the reminder I need that Jesus will always be with me, regardless of physical distance, or sinful distance.  Living in the knowledge that my Jesus’ love will surround me, blanket me, and never leave me provides me the comfort my heart and soul need.

We can all struggle with separation, whether physical or mindful.  We can all struggle with the sense of being removed from ones we love.  Sometimes those barriers are in mileage and location. Other times, the barrier may be in estrangement.  Certainly, other times may be a result of health reasons, leaving ones we love to have barriers to knowing us and loving us the way that we knew all our lives.  This can be a difficult pill to swallow and often can result in loneliness.  My friends, if you are struggling with any barriers between you and your loved ones, do not lose hope.  You will always have love in your lives.  Jesus is ALWAYS there to shower you with His love and is there to bridge those barriers with heartfelt memories and joy of reuniting in heaven.

Love shows itself in so many different ways.  May we hold on to the simple faith that Jesus’ love will reign in our lives.  May we continue to be the beacon of love to those we connect with.  May Jesus continue to shower His love on you!

Dearest Jesus, thank you for not letting anything come between your love for me.  Help me to be reminded when the world can feel isolated that you will continue to let your love cascade over me.  May this knowledge bring a smile to my face and peace to my heart.  Amen!