When I was a little girl, I loved staying home from school when I was the least bit puny, not necessarily to avoid school, but just so I could be near my Mama.

I have recollections of lying on the living room couch (they weren’t “sofas” then), with the sun streaming in the window, while Mama busied herself in the kitchen, cleaning up after breakfast and listening to “Don McNeil’s Breakfast Hour” on the radio. I delighted in being near her, just hearing her hum, and listening to her movements in the kitchen.

Often I yearn to be near Jesus that way, hearing His voice, listening for His movement. Just being close to Him is the comfort I yearn for. And through prayer I can feel Him and know He’s near – nearer than my beloved Mama could ever possibly be, because He’s in me, and I’m in Him. And the Son is shining!