God protects his children and gives us joy and contentment beyond comprehension. This summer, Jesus once again proved his faithfulness to Paul and me as we traveled north to what were once familiar sights and sounds in the New York metropolitan area. It was no easy task to re-visit the roads and communities that had mushroomed into a maze of new construction during our absence of almost twenty years.

The fast-paced traffic and aggressive drivers frayed my nerves to the breaking point so that I would just as soon have stayed in the safety of our motel room. But Paul was calm and steady during the blinding downpour that rendered parkway lanes indistinguishable and hundreds of vehicles attempted to merge into three northbound lanes.

My audible gasps and prayers were a distraction, yet Paul continued to forge our way towards New Jersey. The cell phone that I misplaced somewhere in our traveling gear rang incessantly; I frantically tried to dig it out to reassure waiting family members that we were safely on our way.

After a 14-hour drive up the north/south interstate, we arrived soggy, stiff and disheveled at my brother’s gracious home. He and his wife had made meticulous preparations for a gathering of family and friends to honor us. What a surprise!
Candlelit tables with lovely floral centerpieces were laden with every delicacy. Every consideration for our comfort and enjoyment had been made. As guests arrived we became more and more aware of our welcome. Warm embraces and smiling greetings assuaged my taut nerves and soon overwhelming feelings of love and belonging replaced my former apprehension.
Overflowing platters of delicious food were continually carried in. A beloved sister-in law surprised us by journeying all the way from Philadelphia in the rain. Nieces and nephews crowded in offering joyful hugs. All hands were linked as we offered grace. Flash bulbs popped, laughter and conversation punctuated the air.

Early the next morning Paul and I headed towards South Carolina and I had a new attitude. My spirits had been lifted by the love we had received, and I was determined to show my Savior my gratitude for His care during our drive on the jammed roadways and for the wonderful reunion with loving friends and family.

Paul was once again calmly in charge. I told Jesus that I trusted Him beside us as we passed each speeding semi-truck, no longer gasping and wringing my hands nervously as on the journey north. I just took a breath and silently prayed, “Lord, here we go, please go with us.”

True to his promise, Christ never left us and kept us safe during our 17- hour trip home. The weather was clear and even as darkness fell, I felt secure in my Savior’s care and so grateful for His amazing love.

I claim God’s love and care as mine
A love amazing and divine
A love so faithful and so real
Comes from the God to whom I kneel
A God who keeps me in His care
Who goes beside me everywhere
A God proved worthy of my trust
His presence in my life a must
Whose love I only can define
As love amazing and divine

By Rosemary Sinclair