I was in the car with all my kids on the way to their school when one of my sons said he didn’t have his backpack.
If we turned back, we would be late so I told him he would just have to take a reusable grocery bag.
He started bawling.
I said a quick prayer. Then, I kept driving. Minutes later, I had an idea. I asked my older son if he would share a snack from his lunch with his brother. He agreed.
Another minute later, I heard my daughter say in a quiet voice, “He can use my backpack.” She took the reusable bag instead.
The feeling in the car completely changed. My son was beaming.
And, as I reflected on that moment later on, I realized that my prayer was answered.
Not by how my children used their agency—because that was completely out of my control (and many times doesn’t turn out quite as beautiful as this), but by the peace within me, the idea of what question to ask.
I love the name Emmanuel as a name for Christ.
God with us.
Truly, Christ is with us.
In big trials, but also on our car drives to school and everywhere in between. All we have to do is turn and ask.
He will guide us, direct us, strengthen us, and help us keep our covenants.
Because God is love. (1 John 4:8)
So that means He is patient.
He is kind.
He rejoices in truth.
He always trusts.
Always hopes.
And He never fails. (1 Cor 13:4-8)
So because we have Him with us, we can feel love.
He will help us be patient, kind, rejoice in truth, trust, and hope.
We won’t fail because God is with us.
He is the older brother who is willing to give us whatever is needed for us to return Home.
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