The Power of Being Known

It had been many years since I was a member of this congregation. As I walked through the door, an elderly lady rushed up and enveloped me in a hug, exclaiming, “Carol! You’re back!” I was home! Her greeting enabled me to become open to the love of that congregation again, to belong.

When my father died, one of the oddest feelings was that of being half an orphan. One of only two people who had known me since before I was born was no longer there. Now that I am a full orphan, there is no one who knows me like that. Or is there?

The psalmist proclaims the grace-filled knowledge that we are never orphaned. Our God knew us long before we were even conceived, watched us grow in the womb and knows every thought, action, emotion and relationship we have ever had. God loves us just as we are and cares enough about us to forgive us, guide us and help us become the persons God created us to be. This knowledge is so wonderful we can’t get our heads around it! God is with us from our beginning to our end and beyond.

O God, you know me in a way no one else does. Thank you for this great gift. Amen. — CJD