Curious, four-year-old Sarah peeped around the open door of the vestry where some of us sat chatting, waiting for the pre-church prayer meeting to begin.  Suddenly her face lit up with a radiant smile when she spied her unlikely best friend: a military veteran, returned from a tour abroad.  When at last he turned her way, she ran to him and scrambled onto his knee.  She reached into his pocket and began to play with his mobile phone.  Gently Matt retrieved his phone, and — assured that they would meet up again shortly — the girl ran off to play with her other friends.

I cannot forget the radiance that lit up Sarah’s face, and my heart too, for I know that God wants me to experience such joy when I draw near.  My very best Friend is always waiting to welcome me, but I am so often slow to set aside time to draw near, to come with the confidence of a child.

Yes, we may experience deep joy, even in earthly relationships, but we can be assured that if we come to God we will know a well of living water from deep within, springing up into everlasting life.

Prayer: Thank you, loving God, for inviting us to come to you with confidence and boldness.  Amen.