With me wherever I go (Genesis 35:3)

The thought that God has been with me wherever I have gone is both comforting and frightening at the same time. I have had some tough days in my life. The thought that He was there brings me such a sense of peace and promise. I have had some awesome days, some glorious memories of celebration, like the day I got married, the days my kids were born, victories in ministry, days when I woke up with a heart to accomplish great things.... knowing he was there helps me remember the intimacy we have together. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. (Prov 18:24, John15:4-5)There have been days when I have walked in obedience, where I have chosen the path less traveled and knowing that He was there with me drives me to choose that path more often. But there have been days, many days, way too many days when I have chosen the path of destruction, allowing my selfish heart to deceive me, my depraved mind to lead me to places I am ashamed to have gone..... knowing He was there embarrasses me, shames me, I am overwhelmed with disappointment. Driven to grimace at the thought. The more I dwell on this my mind can't comprehend the dedication of God. The fact that He chooses to be by my side in all my days, in all my ways, wherever I have gone.... Why God? Why do you walk down the path filled with darkness and shame, why do you stick close to me when my actions shame you to the core. I am reminded that it is your voice, it always your voice that whispers into my inner most being and drags we out of the pits every time. You know that if you let me go by myself I may never get out, never find the path back. You choose to walk with me because I need you to find my way back.... May I be reminded of this truth, that you are the same God who stood with Jacob and his household in the midst of their treachery and called them to repentance , renewal and a new start. (Gen. 35:1-4) May I be reminded that you do the same for me, and that you will do the same for others, no matter how dark the path is they have chosen. Thank you Lord for being with me wherever I have gone.