On warm summer evenings, we covered ourselves in bug repellant and walked. We followed the road that ran around the lake, just the two of us my aunt and me. We sang camp songs all the way; we sang loud and with wild abandon.

If we didn’t walk, we climbed into the old wooden rowboat. Emily rowed and I had a free ride. And out on that quiet lake, we sang. A few songs we could even do in two parts! What glorious moments these were for a ten year old.

Looking back I thought about why these moments were so special. She didn’t tell me to behave, she just liked to have fun together. I was with someone who loved me, and I had her full attention. That undivided attention was just a taste of the attentiveness we have from our Savior, Jesus. He is always near to listen to our chatter, our tears, our joys and our pleas. He is there for us at all times.

I read a news article about Pope Francis’ interaction with folks in a Rome parish.  Before Mass, he took time to listen to and answer parishioner’s questions. I so enjoyed this little conversation. A young man asked if there was any truth to what his grandfather had told him, that the pope, as successor of Peter, has Peter’s phone number and calls him. The Pope explained that no, he did not have St. Peter’s number, but that we all have Jesus’ “mobile phone number”. We can connect with Jesus at any time, and he added, Jesus always has “good reception.”

Now, I remember having my aunt’s undivided attention on some wonderful summer evenings, but it is awesome to realize we have Jesus’ undivided attention day and night, every day, for all time. He is always ready to listen because of his unconditional love for you and for me.

Judy