Above and Among All Things

When I was a kid I was, how should I say, rambunctious. Hyper. Busy.

Coupled with being very competitive I was every teacher's aggravation. An occasional thorn in their side. Not on purpose. I just had a bad case of the "can't help its."

Every task was always a race. I wanted to be first to finish every worksheet. First in line at the water fountain. And what was worse, I liked to talk. A lot.

Needless to say I spent many days staring at blank walls in the hallway writing sentences or multiplication tables.

Did I mention my mom was a school teacher? In the same school where I was!

So, it shouldn't have been any surprise to hear the words "How was your day?" at the most inopportune times. "Good" or "fine" were always the wrong answer on those days. She wouldn't let well enough alone as she continued to pry and prod at the sore spots of my inability to stay focused, stay quiet, and stay seated.

On more than one occasion, I asked, "How did you know?" Seriously, how many times would it take before I finally believed her when she said, "Haven't you figured out, I know everything!"

It was like she was sitting in class with me watching my every move. And boy, were there a bunch of moves to note!

As savvy as my mom was at knowing so many of the uncanny details of my childhood, there's still one who knows more.

I feel like we often mistake Jesus as being impersonal and far away. While at other times we bring Him so close that He looks as imperfect and messy as we are.

The Bible says that 'all things were created through Him and for Him.' In other words, He is above all things and among all things.

To be above all things means He is eternal. He stands outside of time. He is before and after all things. He is perfect. He has never failed or had a lapse in His other-ness. He is all-powerful. The plan He has put into place cannot be thwarted in any way. It was always come to pass.

To be among all things means He is present. He doesn't take the day off, not one minute away from His very nature to show grace. He is faithful. He can be trusted and His words are sure. He is compassionate. He isn't taking resumes for those who might qualify for His attention. He is reaching into the lives of those who perhaps feel most dis-qualified to give hope and a future.

His eyes are on you. He sees you. He knows you. And while He loves you He will not be content to leave you where you are. He is above all things and He has a plan for you. He sees the end from the beginning. He is among all things and He promises to never leave or abandon you on this journey of getting you from where you are to the place He wants you to be.