Now

The flight from Atlanta was fairly normal.  Except for some pushy mothers with children, everyone bent over backwards to try and help them, there was a clear attitude of cheerfulness amid endurance.  I slept well but taking a red-eye always saps any energy reserves that one might have.  I always trust the car service that picks me up to remind me of the things that I have.  Following the normal routine I blissfully enjoyed the ride home as I chatted with the new driver. 
 
If you were there I would have talk about totally different things.  Forget the pointless conversation about the weather; let’s talk together with things that are really important – the struggles and joys that let us know that life is real.  I was worried about everything that awaits me in life.  I wondered if the euphoria of seeing God in action was more related to being away with some of God’s kids than being engaged in life.  Was God seriously engaged in the here and now?
 
As we arrived at the house my mobile rang. 
 
“Are you missing a bag?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
 
As I paused to double and triple check the bags in the back of the station wagon I knew I was in trouble.  My black handbag with two notebooks in it was not in the car.
 
“No, I’m not sure.  Do you have a black bag?”
“Perhaps one left on the back of a trolley?”
“It’s mine.”
 “Are you coming here now?”
 
Good question.  Is God coming here, now? 
 
In times of old the story tells of a blunt answer to the question.  “The Pharisees, alarmed at this seditious undertow going through the crowd, teamed up with the high priests and sent their police to arrest him.  Jesus rebuffed them: ‘I am with you only a short time.  Then I go on to the One who sent me.  You will look for me, but you won't find me.  Where I am, you can't come.’”  (John 7.32-34) 
 
Today I have no doubt in the answer.  I pray I remember tomorrow.