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Lip Service by Robin Swartz

 

When I close my eyes, I can still see the little house I lived in on a street in Long Beach, California when I was about 5 years old.  My sister and I shared a little bitty bedroom with a window that faced the street.  We didn’t have much, but we did have two parents that loved us and worked hard to provide what we needed.  Early in the mornings, my mom would sneak in quietly and give us a kiss before she left for work.  We called those kisses “lip service.”  I remember feeling comforted as she came in, while I was still asleep, to reassure me that she loved me before the day got started.

One morning I was lying in my bed and I heard her car door close outside on the street.  She must have been running late that day because she didn’t come in for my daily lip service.  I shot up and looked at the window to see her starting the car.  In a hot panic I flew out of my bed and ran out the front door.  All I could think of was getting that kiss before my mom drove off!  She saw me coming and got my kiss before she drove away.  The complete desperation I felt all those years ago left a permanent mark on my memory into adulthood. I still have a tender spot for seeing loved ones leave, even when I know it’s just for a short time.  Sometimes I wonder if it’s because I don’t want them to forget how much I love them or vice versa. 

I’d like to think that this little memory treasure that I reflect back on is a reminder of how desperately I still need that daily reassurance of love, but that I don’t have to run out into the street in my footie pajamas to get it. John 14:27 reminds me, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”  This truth has comforted me for years, especially now that my family is spread out and I frequently spend weeks apart from husband, Matt, as he travels for work.  Being physically alone never means I am truly alone. Peace is as close as my own voice as I pray, as near as the sound of my own worship as I sing to Him.  He has proven to me over and over and over that He loves me and never leaves me, even when I am by myself for a time. "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments." (Deuteronomy 7:9)

In this season when we are asked to stay away from others, we can choose to rely fully on God for all our needs.  I am reminding myself to lean in to His Goodness, depend on His Word and experience His Peace!

Thank you, Lord, for making yourself known to us in so many ways.  Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to comfort, bring joy, and encourage us in ways that are deeply personal.  Thank you for granting us memories that remind us of your everlasting mercy and presence in our lives.

Amen.

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