Nearer Than We Dream

Thus it is that the glory of God shines nearer to us than we dream. It is often so, that after vainly seeking for some good or some blessing in long and painful quests, it is found at last close at hand. In the tale of Sir Launfal’s quest for the Holy Grail, after searching through all lands, in storm and blast, he found it beside his own gate, in the deed of kindness done to a poor, crouching leper.1

That is the way many of us seek to see the face of Christ. We look for Him where He is not—we look for flashes of splendor—and meanwhile we miss the glory of His presence where it shines in all its beauty in some lowly thoughtfulness and tenderness.

There is a legend of a monk who had a great desire to see Christ. He fled away from the world’s haunts to a cloister where he could read, meditate, and pray, hoping there to look upon the blessed Face. There he spent his days in penance and his nights in prayer, refusing to look upon any face until the object of his quest had been attained. Bird-songs and children’s voices and sweet flowers blooming outside his cell had no attraction for him. One morning he seemed to hear a spirit-voice, which said that that day he should see his Lord. He set himself with special care to watch for the blessed vision. At length there came a gentle tap upon his door, and a child’s voice was heard pleading to be taken in and sheltered and fed. Her feet were cold, her clothing was scant and thin. But the monk was busy with his devotions, and had no time for others or their needs. So he paid no heed to the child’s cry. He was waiting for the appearance of the glorious vision that was promised. So he waited on until the day was done—waited and was disappointed. He had not seen his Lord. The promise had not been fulfilled. Why was the vision so delayed? He did not know that the Christ had come in the child he heeded not—and that, unwelcomed, He had gone away (Matthew 25:40,45).2