Make the call

At 7 a.m., my cell phone rings, and I hear my daughter’s voice break through, “Good morning, Mom.” She has just dropped her oldest off at the high school and is on her way home to help her other two get ready for school. She is caring for her newborn while looking for shoes and backpacks. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of her morning, she has a quiet moment between school and home to reach out.
Throughout my day, the phone will ring randomly. My son is on the other end, calling to check on me. “How is your day going, Mom?” We talk about family, what my grandchildren are up to, and how fast time flies by. Hearing his voice and knowing we have a solid relationship is good.
As evening creeps in, my phone rings. My oldest daughter has found her favorite spot on the patio and takes a moment to call. She talks about her classroom and her students. As a Science teacher, she loves bringing in all the creepy-crawly critters she can find to help her students experience the often unseen part of our world. It is good to hear her voice.
I make it a point to visit my youngest son every week; his living situation has changed recently. Unfortunately, he requires round-the-clock care due to illness. I’m so thankful for the dedicated caregivers who selflessly look after him. Our visits are a mix of laughter, tears, hopeful conversations about his recovery, and, most importantly, an abundance of love.
These relationships did not happen overnight. They were years in the making – sleepless nights, changing diapers, late-night feedings, and birthday cakes. There was the hustle and bustle of school days, summer vacations, and stretching boundaries. There was joy, sadness, laughter, and tears, the normal rotation of life built on a foundation of trust and love.
Just as the special bond with my children has grown over time, with love at the core, my connection with God has also been a journey of growth and closeness. As I nurture my relationship with the Lord, I’ve come to understand the importance of reaching out to Him daily. In Acts 6, the Apostles emphasize the significance of prayer in fostering this kind of connection. These practices strengthen my bond with the Father, establishing an unshakeable foundation of love and trust.
Daniel’s unbreakable bond with the Father sustained him through the challenges of Babylonian captivity. Despite facing opposition, he remained steadfast in his faith, never wavering in his commitment to daily prayer. His story teaches of the impactful difference consistent and persistent prayer can make, particularly in difficult times. We can draw strength and peace from reaching out to the Lord, just as Daniel did. It’s a comforting reminder that God remembered Daniel, and He remembers each of us.
When was the last time you had a heart-to-heart with the Heavenly Father to tell Him how your day was going? I believe He longs to hear the good stuff as well as the bad. And when the bad happens, He doesn’t mind coming to sit by our side and comfort us. So make the time for that early morning call, the mid-day check-in, or that evening quiet talk. Have a little chit-chat with the Lord because when you seek Him wholeheartedly, you will find Him (29:13) regardless of your present state. He will remember you, the love you have shown Him, and the care you have given others (Hebrews 6:10).

Proverbs 8:17 – I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.