PARENTING August 17, 2009 Issue

NO MILES BETWEEN

KATE MILLER

I love early morning walks on the beach. As I walk, I pray—for myself and my family. The vastness of the Pacific, as if breathing new beginnings, reminds me of God's immediate, infinite power and goodness. The seemingly endless number of creatures who make these waters their home, assures me of God's limitless creativity in communicating all that He is. The rising sun, the birds swooping down on kelp beds for a morning meal, the fresh ocean breeze—all speak to my heart. And I feel that God is saying: "I am here. I am God. There is one amazing power, all good, and you, Kate, are part of this very grand creation."

My prayers were particularly important one day when I yearned to feel God's parenting presence—for both me and my son, who was attending college in another country. I suddenly felt compelled to call him. It's not my practice to use my cellphone during these walks, but I called anyway.

When my son answered, his words brought me deep distress: "I'm so sick, Mom; I can't remember being this sick." He said he couldn't even go down to the bottom level of his flat to get his roommate. I tried to comfort him, assuring him of my love and that my prayers were with him.