I found this bookmark in my devotional recently and it spoke comfort to me this evening that I really needed.
In most name books my name means “Butterfly”. I’ve always like that meaning. I imagine something really beautiful flitting and fleeting here, there and everywhere just bringing a smile to people’s faces wherever it goes. It’s a happy picture to me.
About ten years ago someone gave me this sweet bookmark that has my Christian name-meaning on it, which is “Walks with God”. It’s an interesting meaning to me because for many years I have had dreams or visions of taking walks with Jesus. These dreams always bring me a great sense of comfort and peace. Sometimes we are walking through fields and other times, along the beach. No matter the setting, just knowing that I am walking with Jesus brings a sense of complete wellness about all things and I am always filled with true joy.
I was driving through the winding back roads making my way from Franklin to Nolensville today, enjoying the beauty of the blooming countryside. It seemed like every 30 seconds I would see something beautiful that took my breath away and I found myself wishing that I had someone with me to appreciate this lovely drive. Honestly, it wasn’t that I was just wishing about it, I actually felt an immediate sense of being alone and it literally caused me physical pain. Right in the middle of my beautiful drive… sunroof open, fresh air coming in through the windows and suddenly I felt the breath taken from me.
Just before I felt the tears begin to form in my eyes, I said out loud,
“Jesus, are you enjoying this ride? Didn’t the Father do a good job on all this?”
Vanessa walks with God.
God is with me. I know this. He walks with me… rides with me… goes before me and watches behind me.
“Thank you Father God that you are with me always. I am never truly alone. You walk with me and our relationship grows as we walk together. Thank you for showing me how to build relationship with you through times of prayer together… our “walks” together. You said that if I commit my ways to you, trust in YOU, you will act. You will come through with what you promised in your Word. I am so comforted by your presence. You won’t let my foot stumble if I keep my eyes on you. I am committed to you!”
This subject made me think of the chorus to the hymn “In the Garden”. It’s rolling around in my head tonight…
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
