A few days ago, my mother sent me a text about how excited I must be to see my husband again. She said it was like that old 50’s song, “Reunited, and it feels so good.” I came back with how that was a 70’s song by Peaches and Herb, and, after she looked it up, she came back and said that apparently she’d transposed my teenage years for hers!

I know that song well, because it was the first song to which Kevin and I ever danced. It was the end of 10th grade, and he was one of four hunky football players that were joining four of us drill team girls in a fabulously choreographed (wink, wink) rendition of “Macho Man” for our spring show. At one of our rehearsals, good ol’ Peaches and Herb started crooning their tune and he took my hand and pulled me into our first dance. Neither of us has ever forgotten it, and I was tickled that Mom brought it up because it always comes to mind when we’ve been apart and are close to seeing one another again. This time was no exception.

As it turned out, I was traveling home one day, and he was traveling from a business meeting the next, going straight to the office, then meeting me at the location for a committee meeting for which we are both chairs. So much for a romantic reunion, or so I thought. He got their first, and when I came up to the door of the building, he opened it and swept me up into his arms with a huge kiss. Then he smiled and said, “I told them I needed a minute.” I love that man.

You know, when we’re apart, I yearn to be with him. I realize ways that maybe I’ve taken him a little for granted, or think of things I’d like to do or discuss when we’re back together. There’s something about that distance between us that grabs my attention and wakes me up to what’s important.

I’ve found it to also be true when I distance myself from God. Please notice that I did not lump God into the action of parting, because – and please hear me – God never moves. Ever. He never leaves, He never forsakes, He never turns away. We are the ones that, for whatever reason, tuck tail and run, and when I do it, I find that I yearn for His presence in my life again. I find that I’ve taken His constancy for granted, and let whatever is the current muck in my life pile up to the point of separation, leaving me feeling bereft and alone. Maybe you’ve been there, too. Maybe you’re there now.

The good news is that He’s waiting for you where you left Him. He’s excited to see you again, and will take all the time that you need to be swept up and feel His incomparable embrace. Ask Him to sweep away that muck that’s become too much for you, so you can be reunited. I promise it really does feel so good.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you…” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

“Your God is present among you; a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 MSG

“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time.” Luke 15:20-24 MSG