Walk with me

We were in the early innings of the baseball game, but Marcus had still not arrived. I had paid for his ticket, and I was waiting near the gate for him. I had left my phone in the car, so after waiting a while, I decided to walk back down to the car to check for messages from him. I also wanted to grab an umbrella since a storm was brewing.  I walked around to where T always plays with his friends, and called him over. I asked him to walk with me to the car, but he was being stubborn (have you met my kid?), and whined about leaving his friends and his game.  Since I knew he would be safe in the fenced-in area, and with people he knows all around him, I told him to stay there, and I would be right back. I could actually watch him through the fence as I walked, and I planned to be gone less than five minutes.

  

I quickly walked down to the parking lot, and looked for my umbrella.  I didn't find it, so I hopped in the front seat to check my phone.  As I was calling Marcus, it began to rain. I could see Marcus making his way down the hill in his car, but he had already passed the gate to the ball field.  As he drove into the parking lot, I pulled out to go pick up T.  The rain was really coming down by this time, and I noticed people were leaving the field. I was growing nervous because I had no way of telling T that I was on my way.  I saw a friend and rolled down my window to ask her if she had seen T. She said he was still "up there".  I was stuck behind several cars that were not moving, and I was (impatiently) waiting to move closer to the gate.  As I pulled up, I spied my child.  He was huddled under the overhang of the concession stand, and he was crying.  My heart shattered.  He saw me, quickly ran up the sidewalk, and made his way over to my car. He climbed in the back seat, sniffling, and with tears in his eyes. I said, "Why are you crying? Did you think I had left you?" He nodded. I said, "Have I ever left you anywhere in your entire life?" He shook his head no. I grabbed his hand and reassured him that I would never leave him because he is my child.

I cannot erase the image of him standing there crying. My mind has replayed it over and over all night long.  It makes me want to bawl and throw up all at the same time.  If only I had MADE him walk with me. His sense of being alone could have been avoided if he had been willing to step away from what seemed fun so he could walk with me for just a few minutes.

How often do I insist on my own way instead of walking with HIM?  He doesn't MAKE me walk with him; it is a choice.  I am the one who steps away and creates distance between us. Then, when a storm arises, I feel alone.  I am not. He is there. He has never left me.  

"It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."-Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV

Here is a LONG list of other verses:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/i_will_never_leave_you_nor_forsake_you

Humbled by this experience, and overwhelmed by His presence.