Wherever you are, God is.

I sat in my “spot” this morning, the first morning it has been warm enough to come to this sacred space in my garden where I have created my own intimate, outdoor "chapel." Wrapped in a light blanket, the early morning sun beaming on me like a spotlight through the leaves of the trees, I listened to a brood of baby downy woodpeckers above me, begging for food. I became aware of my solitariness.

I read Psalm 107, rich and symbolic verse, which describes the varied terrain in which we often find ourselves.

• Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. (vs. 4)
• Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. (vs. 10)
• Some were fools; they rebelled and suffered for their sins. (vs. 17)
• Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. (vs. 23)

I wondered to myself which one best describes me today. Definitely “plying the trade routes of the world,” I thought, though I have visited all the other territories that are mentioned--more than once!

The Psalm continues and explains how God can change rivers into deserts and, just as easily, turn deserts into pools of water. How true! I reflect with amazement at the times in my life that were visits to a dry and barren land—my recent back surgery an example—and God turned them into a fertile place of growth and healing.

The Psalm ends by saying that those who are wise will take all this to heart and see how God has been involved in each chapter of their history. I thought about how it doesn’t matter where I wander, God can meet me in that place. Or, another way to say it: wherever I am, God is. And wherever you are, my friend, God is, as well.