God's huge outstretched arms protect you - under them you're perfectly safe; Gods arms fend off all harm.

-Psalm 91:4

"How dare. Where have you been?" said my son when I got home on Wednesday. Or at least he would have, if he could talk yet. He's 6 months old, but he has an incredibly expressive face. No one has to guess what he's thinking. And his face said it all on Wednesday. Like me, he's a creature of habit and routine. Unlike me, he doesn't yet see a change in routine as a welcome adventure. For him, it's an unwelcome disruption. I had to spend all day writing my sermon. So I wasn't home to get him ready for the day or available for lunchtime cuddles. And his brother was busy with school. And sadly, although he favors his mother the most, he is accustomed to a change of pace.

So I came home to this face. Glad to see me, happy to have me hold him. Immensely disappointed in me. And he didn't hide it. And I sat there wondering about the other relationships in my life. Who is sadly missing me? Who is not? Who is maybe a little tickled they see me less here in quarantine? And what sort of face is God wearing for me? When is the last time we chatted at length? Caught up? Is God smiling? Are God's brows furrowed because our routine is off? Have I neglected our quality time? I tried explaining to my son that I was off doing the Lord's work. I told him that work is also what feeds and clothes him and gives him a home. His brow remained furrowed. I wondered if God was amused.

What is your routine like with God these days? Is it altered by quarantine and Covid? Are you busier or less so? Have you grown closer or apart? Has being gone from the church building disrupted your routine? Is God waiting for you in worship and eager for your return? If you need a little more time at home in the arms of that unconditional love, take it from a six month old, no explanation is necessary. Glad you're home.

Prayer for Today

Lord, help me make time in my busyness for time that's just for us. Help me worship, pray, and spend time with you alone. Amen.