I was determined this close relationship was what I really desired. I even sensed that my childhood difficulty was allowed to shape my desires for deeper intimacy. I made the necessary commitments to follow up more deliberate and concentrated times with Him alone. A bit later I was in my study reading an article on intimacy.

As I was reading, one of my sons came up to my study to review his math with me. He was having difficulty with one problem. Actually, for some reason I couldn't understand his second grade book's instructions either. I told him just to do the part of the problem that was clear. I guess my suggestion was too nonconformist. He just couldn't accept my words. I wanted to read my article on intimacy and here my son was disturbing me. Shortly afterwards, I cast him from my study until he could compose himself.

But the Spirit of God was already working in my heart. I clearly saw the Lord's displeasure. Here I was trying to spend time with the Lord, but I wasn't even able to patiently put up with my son. The verse from I Corinthians 13 was convicting me, "Love is patient."

My heart was greatly humbled. I didn't want my Heavenly Father to treat me the way I treated my son! I must not treat God or my son in this way. I apologized to them both. My problem was cleverly identified, "A friend likes to spend time with a friend." I needed to be a true friend myself. I must spend time with those around me that I say I love.

The Lord didn't waste a second. Not long afterwards my 9 year-old daughter entered my study. I found out that she didn't go out with the others to invite children to our next week's Bible Club. I was prompted that this was another opportunity to spend extra time with someone - to be a friend. So I ignored what I was doing and like Jesus would have done, spent time with my girl. This turned out to be the most significant conversation I ever had with her!

She had been having lots of troubles with fears. So I began to share from the scriptures some verses where the Lord had told her not to fear and worry. At first she didn't want to pray, but after I prayed for her and freed her mind to think clearly, she was willing. She repeated a repentance and forgiveness prayer after me, line by line. I then asked her in a prayerful spirit to share what fears were on her heart. After a moment, she said the fear of sickness and the fear of embarrassment. After this prayer and further conversation about salvation matters, she left free and happy as a lark. God had taken away her long-standing stomachache. God had delivered her from those oppressive fears.

How thankful I am that I took time to be with my daughter rather than chasing her out of my study for privacy. I am by God's grace trying to give that special focus to each person I meet that I might discern whether the Lord wants to give any special love to them. I need so much help in this area, but what an exciting start!

A friend must be a friend. When walking with Jesus, I need to pause with Him when He wants to spend extra time with people even though I might be busy. Next