While shopping for a few things in a Sam’s Club last week, I noticed a strange sight: a lady was talking away as she looked at various items in the store. Nothing strange about that— except she was alone, no one was nearby for her to converse with. Not quite sure what to think about what I was observing, I moved closer to see what was going on. I soon realized that I had not stumbled upon some strange person who had a habit of talking to herself in public places, but instead, I was merely witnessing her carrying on a cell phone conversation by means of wireless, hands-free equipment.

We live in a world filled with technology that allows us to do a lot of things, including staying in touch with each other at any time we choose from nearly any place on the planet.

Since Gale and I like to stay in close touch with our children and grandchildren, we were both a little concerned the other night when we were informed that our oldest granddaughter will soon be taking a trip with her daddy to California. I am sure Mallory will be fine, and it will be good for her to see some of her family out there, yet the thought of her not being where we can see her at any moment that we choose is not such a comforting thought. Thankfully, she will be away for just a few days!!

To add to my concerns about our seven-year-old taking to the friendly skies, a friend told me about an air trip that she had with her son when he was just a little fellow. Her trip finally turned out all right, but not without some extended delays—both in the airport and circling in the sky waiting for conditions to allow them to land! (There is nothing like a real friend to build you up when you are down!!)

The privilege of being close to those that we care about is something we should not take for granted. Whether seeing them face-to-face, talking to them by telephone, or communicating with them electronically, nearness to family and friends is a blessed thing. We should also remember to be thankful for the nearness of God and His willingness to communicate with us and His ability to intervene in our circumstances.

Someone emailed a story to me the other day about a young boy traveling home from Bible School. As he journeyed along, checking out everything that his curious mind found to investigate, someone questioned about where he had been. When the boy responded that he had been to Bible School, the gentleman who had raised the question offered the boy a dime if he could tell him where God is. The boy did not have to search his mind for his more than adequate answer as he responded, “I’ll give you a dollar, Mister, if you can tell me where God ain’t.”

I like having my children and grandchildren nearby, yet that is not always possible. But we can always rest assured that God is always near. David beautifully describes the nearness of God in Psalm 139:8-10: “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast” (NIV).