My son Bryce and I joined my parents for a family vacation in the Boston, Massachusetts area recently. We were able to visit some famous landmarks and walk most of the Freedom Trail. However, Bryce’s favorite part of the vacation had nothing to do with sightseeing. Bryce’s favorite part of the vacation was pushing the buttons on the hotel elevator.
My mom usually takes longer to get ready than anyone else in our family. One morning, my dad, Bryce, and I found ourselves waiting for mom at the elevator. Dad and I must have gotten distracted in conversation, because all of a sudden we both realized Bryce was on the elevator without us –and the door was closing. I reached out to grab the door, but it was too late. Bryce was on his way to the lobby by himself.
Then, I heard him crying. Ouch. Nothing hurts more than hearing your child cry and not being able to help.
So, I jumped on the next elevator and made my way down to the lobby as mom and dad stayed behind in case Bryce came back up.
The elevator door opened on the lobby level. Bryce was nowhere to be found. I was just about to go back up, and I heard him. I walked around the corner and found him with the front desk staff of the hotel. I was so thankful!
I’m not sure who was scared the most –Bryce or me. Either way, we were both fearful of the same thing: separation.
For the remainder of the trip, anytime Bryce was starting to wander off or get too far ahead of me on a sidewalk, all I had to say was, “Remember the Elevator.” That was a sober reminder of the terror of separation.
Thankfully, nothing can separate those who are in Christ Jesus from the love of God. Romans 8:38-39 states,
For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers,height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
There is no more need to fear separation. No matter where life’s elevator takes us, we can always be sure that God will be there (Psalm 139:8). And, when we finally step out for the last time, we will enjoy the unending, uninterrupted presence of Christ forever. That’s the kind of elevator worth remembering!