I Don’t Want Just His Presence

Many years ago, back in elementary school, our teacher entered the classroom looking stressed. With a somewhat military tone, she reminded us that the next day we needed to come in our best uniforms, neat and tidy, because the President of the Republic would be visiting.

It was my first time seeing Costa Rica’s top political figure in person, and the whole school was buzzing with excitement.

The next day, around noon, we finally saw him enter the assembly hall to great applause. I do not remember exactly where I was sitting, but I remember the feeling. We were in the presence of someone important. Even in my childhood innocence, I understood that his role carried weight.

Being in the presence of someone great can be exciting. But when it comes to the Lord Jesus, I do not want only His presence.

I do not want to be merely one of many in a Sunday crowd, watching from far away as He arrives, distant yet adored. It is not enough to see Him escorted by angels and hope He might hear me through the noise.

I want to sit at the same table with Him when the banquet is served. I want to be right next to Him when He starts sharing astonishing stories from eternity. I want to hear His voice directly. I want to ask Him about my dreams, my ideas, and even the wild thoughts I do not know how to explain to anyone else.

And when the gathering is over, I want us to leave through the same door, heading to the same home. Our home.

I want to sit and talk freely, without the formality of liturgy and without fancy clothes. I want to kick off my shoes, put on the most comfortable worn-out clothes I have, maybe even with a hole here or there. None of that matters because we are home. There is no need to perform. Time does not matter. It is just Him and me.

In His presence there is fullness of joy, but at His right hand there are even greater delights. There are treasures hidden in close intimacy with Him, in the sweet anticipation of His voice revealing secrets. There is safety in the Father’s embrace, greatness and love in Christ’s open arms, and comfort, wisdom, and power in the Holy Spirit.

That is where I want to be: close enough to whisper “Abba” without fear.