I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

-Psalm 16:8

As the holiday season arrives, so do many of our favorite traditions and gatherings. Last week, JCPC hosted our annual Giving Thanks dinner. The following day, the preschool had its Thanksgiving Feast. The parents come for a lunch and the children sing a few songs. As they finished singing and parents snapped pictures, the teachers asked parents to stay at their tables so their kids could come find them. And one boy shouted, "It's easy to find you guys!" to his folks. 

We all giggled. But there's a reason it was so easy for him. They were close. He had kept his eyes on them the whole time. And they were there at the lunch because they love him. There's wisdom in that for all of us. Any one of those things would have been enough. And so they are for us. Through no effort or merit of our own, God is always close to us. And God is close because God loves us. All that remains is for us to keep our eyes on God so we can exclaim with the same joy and certainty of that little boy, "It's easy to find you!"

As we gather around tables this week and search for words to be thankful for what we have and have been given, the lives of those far away or no longer with us, remember to keep your eyes on the one who is near, near because of love. And just like that little boy, you'll have no trouble finding your way. And the feast will be waiting for you. 

Gracious God, thank you for my many blessings. Lord, you are always near. Near because you love me. Help me keep my eyes on you. Amen.