I spent the past Saturday at Avila in Durham. It is a retreat center sponsored by the Catholic Dioceses of Raleigh. They have their own programs, you can bring your own group or go on your own. I went with hopes of... honestly, I wanted God to tell me exactly what to do with my life. What I should be when I grow up, how I should be serving him, where I should live. But God doesn't do what you want him to do. He does what is best for you.

God used my time on Saturday to assure me in a very real, clear and personal way that he is near me.

I walked the meditation path and God walked with me.

I wandered into the library and picked up a book.

"You are near Lord,

The Lord is near to all of us,

because he is everywhere.

We cannot escape him...

nor deceive him...

nor lose him...

God watches everything,

he sees everything.

He is close to each one of us;

as he says:

I am a God who is close at hand."

~St. Ambrose

I wrote in my journal and read The Word.

Lamentations 3:57 "You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not Fear."

Psalm 73:28 "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."

Psalm 139, Luke 6:68, 69, James 4:8

Yesterday in church, during communion, I was reminded of the miracle of The Trinity and a God who is near. He didn't stay in his lofty heavens looking down on his creation. He came to earth as a man and sent his Holy Spirit to dwell in all who believe, so that he can be near to us. God created, Christ died, The Spirit came so that everyone can have a personal relationship with their creator. John 6:38-40

There were no neon signs giving me green lights and direct paths, but knowing that He is near and walking by faith is more precious than that.