July 4: I Thought You Would Always Be Here With Me

I Thought You Would Always Be Here With Me

Mark 10:14 (KJV)

"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 

This morning, I dedicate this devotional to K. Chin.

As I walked through a familiar place, memories and emotions accompanied me. Every pathway seemed to whisper stories from days gone by. Memories of laughter, learning, correction, encouragement, celebrations, and even challenges came flooding back. It was a place that once occupied a significant space in my daily life and in my heart. Although time had passed, the memories remained vivid.

As I made my way through the garden, I noticed a young man staring intently at me. At first, I did not recognise him. He had grown so much. The little boy I remembered had become a young man. As our eyes met, he waved. I smiled and waved back.

That simple exchange was all he needed.

Without hesitation, he began running towards me. As he approached, his arms opened wide and he wrapped me in a hug. It was not a casual greeting. It was the embrace of someone who was genuinely happy to see a familiar face from a meaningful chapter of his life.

Then, while still holding on to me, he said something that stopped me in my tracks.

"Ms. Danvers, I always thought that you would always be here with me."

For a moment, time stood still.

Of all the things he could have said, those were the words that came from his heart.

I found myself wondering why he thought that. What had I done or said that caused him to believe I would always be there? Did my presence provide a sense of security? Did my consistency create an expectation that I would never leave? Did he simply believe that the people who love and care for us will always remain?

Perhaps he may never remember asking that question. Perhaps he has long since moved on from that moment. Yet I know those words will stay with me forever.

His statement reminded me that we often underestimate the impact we have on the lives of children. We see the routines, the responsibilities, the long days, and the endless tasks. We show up each day simply doing what God has called us to do. We teach, encourage, comfort, correct, listen, pray, and care. Sometimes we wonder if our efforts are making any difference at all.

Then God allows us to see the fruit.

In that brief conversation, God reminded me that children remember more than we realise. They may not remember every lesson we teach or every instruction we give, but they remember how we made them feel. They remember who showed up. They remember who listened. They remember who believed in them. They remember who made them feel valued, seen, and loved.

What seemed ordinary to me had clearly meant something far greater to him.

His words also reminded me of Jesus and His relationship with the children who gathered around Him. There was something about Christ's presence that drew children near. They felt welcomed, valued, safe, and loved. Jesus did not view children as interruptions. He saw them as precious.

I believe every adult who works with children has the opportunity to reflect a small part of Christ's love. We may never fully know the significance of our influence. We may never hear all the stories of how a word of encouragement changed a life, how a moment of kindness restored hope, or how our presence helped a child feel secure during a difficult season.

Yet moments like this remind us that our labour is not in vain.

As I walked away, I thanked God for allowing me to see, even for a brief moment, the lasting impact of simply being present in the life of a child. K. Chin's words were a reminder that influence is not measured by titles, positions, or achievements. It is measured by the lives we touch and the hearts we help shape.

Long after lessons are forgotten and routines have changed, love remains. Sometimes the greatest legacy we leave is not found in what we accomplished, but in the people who felt loved because we were there.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of investing in the lives of others. Help me never to underestimate the power of showing up, caring deeply, and loving sincerely. Thank You for the children and people You have allowed me to influence along life's journey. May my words, actions, and presence reflect Your love and leave a lasting impact for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.