Vacation time.  For the first time since late 2003, I took a week's vacation and was not on call 24/7.  It was hard for me.  A pastor's heart is always for those he loves and those whom God has allowed him to serve.  Another pastor, one of Armstrong's employee's, Jeff Zachary, was gracious enough to take over the responsibilities so that my wife, my 3-year old son, and I could rest and relax.  It was absolutely wonderful.

Tuesday morning.  Seven AM.  The only boat on the lake.  It was peaceful.  Quiet.  The only sound was the hum of my trolling motor and an occasional lapping of the water against the hull of my bass boat.  The was sun rising and displaying God's wonders as the sun's rays gave me an amazing light show.

I looked towards the cottage.  I looked at the boat.  I was alone in the boat.  Or, was I?

I began to pray and give God thanks for allowing us this peaceful vacation.  God let His presence be known there in my boat.  I was not alone.  God's glory was there, under a beautiful sky.  He comforted me.  He loved me.  I was reminded of His Words in Psalm 139.

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.  You know my sitting down and my rising up;  You understand my thought afar off.  You comprehend my path and my lying down.  And are acquainted with all my ways.  For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.  You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.  It is high, I cannot attain it.  Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend into heaven, You are there;  If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.  If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me.  And Your right hand shall hold me.  If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," even the night shall be light about me; indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You."

We have all heard the saying, "Big boys don't cry!"  What a stupid saying that is, huh?  Sitting there in God's presence, I cried.  I was not alone in that boat. 

I have never been alone.  God gave me His promise that He would never leave me nor forsake me.  Even when my mind is on other things other than God, He is still there, as a best friend would do, just waiting for me to see Him.  Hear Him.  And acknowledge His presence.  A presence I enjoy having in my life daily.