This morning I heard myself pray,
“Let me feel You even in the smallest of details.” I desire to feel God’s presence
and to slow down enough to be present with Him.

After devotion time, while getting ready for work and prancing around the kitchen, I glanced out onto my patio.
There it was. I quickly alerted my family to my discovery, and in that moment, I thought about my prayer.

A beautiful deer was nestled in the corner of my yard, near the fence. It was resting and seemed at peace. I was in awe.

Almost immediately I wondered, What do deer eat? After a quick Google search, I gathered some fruit and vegetables, placed them in a bowl, and carried it outside. It simply looked at me as I tried to show it the offering.

But it was already chewing on something. So I left the bowl anyway and whispered, “God bless you,” before stepping back inside.

As I watched the deer, these familiar scriptures came to mind: words often recited, yet freshly alive in that moment.

Psalms 23:1-6 NLT
[1] The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. [2] He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. [3] He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. [4] Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. [5] You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. [6] Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

My Poem: Near

The sun is far away, yet feels so near.
God reminds me each morning:
though He may feel distant at times,
He is still here.

Right beside me.
On the inside.
So present and dear.

I will see His hand in the smallest of details.
See Him in beauty once overlooked.
Feel Him in moments of joy.
Hold to Him in the hard places where faith is strengthened.

And breathe Him in when I am alone.
He is near.

Even as His love radiates from His gracious throne.