From a Distance

Today’s reading reached deep into my heart and stirred something profound.

Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent - Exodus 33:7–10

This passage resonated deeply with me because I recently experienced a moment that felt strikingly similar. Exactly one month ago, our 1½- and 3½-year-old grandchildren were baptized at St. Stephen Protomartyr by Fr. Ron. It was a moment my wife and I had prayed for since the day they were born. But it wasn’t something we could force or guilt our son and daughter-in-law into—it had to happen when they were ready.

Like Moses, we could pitch the tent, but it was up to them to enter it and begin the dialogue with God.

As grandparents, we stood at the entrance—just as the Israelites did—watching, worshiping, and witnessing something sacred. We saw God speak to each child individually, calling them by name, welcoming them into His family, and beginning a lifelong relationship with them. It was a moment of pure grace.

Unlike when we baptized our own children 24 and 33 years ago, we weren’t consumed by the logistics—what they’d wear, who the godparents would be, or the details of the celebration afterward. This time, we were simply present. And being present was enough. It was everything.

I thank God daily for the gifts He showers upon this humble servant. Who would have thought that a simple ceremony, delayed but not denied, would leave such a lasting spiritual imprint on our hearts?

From a distance, we watched. But in spirit, we were right there in the tent—witnessing the beginning of something eternal.