Closeness Through Christ

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (Colossians 4:2, NIV)

"Oh, dear heavenly Father, please eliminate this distance between us." In my early twenties, I began to fervently pray this day after day, year after year. My sister was eleven years older than I was. I thought she still saw me as that little girl.

I believe the distance grew greater when I was twelve. My brother and sister were eighteen months apart and were like twins as children. I will never forget that day in November which shattered our lives. My brother committed suicide at the age of twenty-one. No one could ever replace my brother and his closeness to my sister. I just continued to pray for my sister and me to grow closer.

Later on, I began to see glimmers of hope. I learned my sister had accepted Jesus into her life. I began to pray for more closeness. When I was in my late thirties, all the prayers seemed to shine through our relationship. Being in separate states, we reached each other through the telephone. I noticed the passionate tone of her voice as she described the church she now attended. We would talk about the church and what ministries we participated in. I could not wait for the time when I went back to visit my family in Indiana. I was so excited to attend her church. As the praise music was playing, tears streamed down my face as I lifted my hands up in praise and thanks to God.

After the service, my sister gave me a big hug and said "I love you. I'm so glad this has brought us closer together." As I fouht back tears once again, I embraced her and cherished that moment as I said, "I love you, too, Sis".

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with family and friends in my life which I can share You with. I pray for those close to me who do not know You. Make me an instrument to draw them to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jodi (AZ)