The school bell rang and classmates settled into their desk chairs. It was time for roll call. Names were called alphabetically by our teacher while I waited to hear mine.

‘Pamela Ford’…

Raising my right hand high, I answered. ‘Present.’

I was present and accounted for. The teacher could continue taking class attendance. Repeated present responses echoed throughout the classroom. Only occasional eerie sounds of silence broke up the repetitive reply.

Some students were recorded as absent. The teacher expected them to bring a written parental excuse for their absence when they returned to school.

I seek the Holy Lord’s presence; He expects mine.

"Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever (Psalms 16:11 NASB)."

I seek; I find joy.

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11 NASB)."

Jesus found joy in submission to His Father. Will I?

“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB).”

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
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