Comfort in the night...

I love the sound of a train - the constant chug, chug, chug rhythm of the wheels connecting with the track, the warning whistle when the train comes to a crossing, the advance notice alerting me that something powerful is approaching and I need to pay attention.

Every place I have lived I have been able to hear a train clambering along the tracks, especially late at night when the busyness of the day has quieted. The tracks, now closest to our home, are nearly a mile or so away. I love it in the summer and the windows are wide, I can hear the train whistle blow - sometimes fairly loudly or, at other times, faint and distant. It all depends on how clear the sky is and if the wind is blowing or is still. To me, the train is a comforting sound, a constant in ever changing circumstance, a voice in the night that whispers, "You are not alone, I am here, I am here, I am here..."

Sometimes, I find myself straining to hear that reminder from God - especially when my heart is lonely and I need reassurance that his presence surrounds me and his loving hand is upon me. It is then when I am quiet and still that I can hear His voice or feel His touch. It is then I can see and recognize the forever ways he provides reassurance he is there and waiting for me to take his hand.

I am thankful for the gentle ways that God draws near to me even when I'm not aware it is Him that I am seeking. I hope I can always be comforted by the rhythm of his love holding me close with the promise..."You are not alone, I am here, I am here, I am here!"