“What defines you is my nearness.” (Inner word)
We humans often carry within us the desire to be capable of something great, perhaps even to leave behind something that has significance. This desire is not wrong, as long as it does not serve vanity or the pursuit of personal power. After all, we are called by our Heavenly Father to accomplish great things, for everything we do in connection with and on behalf of God is great. Thus, every day we have the opportunity to do what is truly great by fulfilling His will.
The more God’s life enters into us and shapes our thinking and acting, the more God is able to communicate Himself to us and to others. Whatever we do or say becomes filled with His presence, and that is what constitutes the deepest value of our person. It is His nearness that can enliven us and other people as well. It is His heart that has united itself with us. It is His Word that we pass on to others, and His love that is able to permeate us. It is His nearness that makes us transparent to Him.
Because this is so, the desires expressed at the beginning recede somewhat. The great and enduring is already happening; the essential is present, and everything else flows from it. Our striving changes, for now the point is that You, dear Father, should take up residence in us so fully that everything that now happens bears more and more the mark of Your love. This is the great thing that remains, and we no longer need to consider what great things we might do. Without even realizing it, we become who we are and walk, self‑forgetfully, the path You have determined for us.