Article November 23, 1998 Issue

Are we there yet?

Safe in God's care—everywhere

By Becky S. Lovich

The wind seemed unbearable as it batted our mini van around like a badminton birdie. The children were asleep in the back, but my husband and I were wide awake and becoming quite fearful with each gust of wind. Earlier in the trip, our children had asked the infamous question all traveling parents get, "Are we there yet?" As I felt the van moving back and forth on the highway, I found myself wishing we were "there" now!

Whenever I am deeply afraid, I pray. Now, I suppose it would be considered reasonable for one who's afraid to pray for God to help him or her out of a dangerous situation. But I have found that if I begin my prayers with the assumption that I'm in a predicament and need to get out, although I may feel some comfort, my fear is not removed totally. That's because I'm assuming I've been separated somehow from God. What does help is when I begin my prayers by acknowledging that God would never leave His child, that He is ever-present, all-powerful good.

As is true of most parents, I know I would never place my children in harm's way. I would never say, for instance, "OK, let's put Johnny and Mary out in the street today and see what they learn." In fact, I would race to their defense. If the love I have for my children naturally impels me to protect and defend them, just think what God, who is Love itself, does for His children.

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