This morning was one of those rare occasions when I actually got a seat on the subway.
As I sat on the bench and looked up I caught a glimpse of my own reflection on the window directly across me. It occurred to me that I’ve been riding this train for a long time now.
The first time was when my grandfather brought me to my first day of second grade. I was 7 years old.
Some thirty years later, I’m still riding the same line!
That’s when it struck me: the same God who was watching over me then is the same God who is watching over me now.
In my minds eye I kind of reviewed my life story – almost as if from atop a panoramic view.
I thought about all the places I’ve been, and all the places I shouldn’t have been. I thought about all my sins, and all the adulteries of my heart. I thought about all the ups and downs, all the failures, and all the breakthroughs. I thought about all the times I’ve wavered in unbelief, and all the times I’ve gotten up – only to lean on His grace.
As I mulled it all over, I couldn’t help but ask, “God, what are you still doing here? You should have left me a long time ago.”
What kind of God is this who, after everything, still insists on being loyal to me?
A quiet trust filled my heart and mind.
For reasons unbeknownst to me, this God, who has made me the object of His affection, will never stop loving me.
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)
”The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Reposted from April 23, 2009.
I like the point of this post. But, as a Midwesterner I have to ask: (1) How long do you ride the subway to get to work? (2) Do you switch lines or does one line take you the whole way?
I drive 1.5 mile to work and there is basically a cornfield between me and my church.
No cornfields in Brooklyn Chris! Thankfully, I only have to take one train (the “N” train) across the East River by way of the Manhattan Bridge. The Manhattan Bridge connects lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Door to door it’s only about 30 minutes but delays due to “train traffic ahead of us” or “being held by the dispatcher” usually make the commute longer. That’s a whole ‘nother story…don’t get me started!
Wonderful reflection, Christina. These are thoughts I entertain from time to time, as well, from my backyard swing on Pollywog Creek – worlds away from subways and cornfields.
Our son Nick attended Kings Point and we had the privilege of visiting NYC frequently in those years. More recently we flew to NY for a NYY’s game their last season in the “house Ruth built.” On all of those visits, we spent much time on the subways and those experiences stimulated considerable conversation about the lifestyles of those of you who live so very differently from those of us in the rural south. I should interact with you more often, Christina. We fell in love with the people of NYC, and wonder still about their every day lives and especially their walk with Christ in that culture.
Blessings!
Hi Patricia!
Thank you so much for visitng and for your beautiful comment!
You know, I like to tell people that I am from the South too. South Brooklyn, that is! How amazing is the goodness of God that it transcends geography? Those of us who know the Lord, and have tasted his goodness can say with the redeemed everywhere that “He is faithful!” And, I agree that we should interact with eachother more!
Have a wonderful day!
“The same God who was watching over me then is the same God who is watching over me now.”
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)
”The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
I’m glad you reposted this, Christina. You’ve shared wonderful truths here, sister, and I am glad to be ending my day, reflecting on the scripture and thoughts that you shared. Many blessings to you as we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s day. xoxo
Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts Ruth!
We can bank on His faithfulness — today and always.
Much love to you this Lord’s Day!