Isaiah 57:15 — “For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, ‘I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’”

There is nothing worse than being ignored. And there is nothing better than being acknowledged ... except being acknowledged by someone with a much higher standing than you have.

One very clear childhood memory occurred when I was five. I had just entered kindergarten, and the city school I attended had three stories accessible by a huge main staircase that spiraled around the center of the building. The kindergarteners were housed on the first floor, and the older children progressed up the levels to the top floor.

I was a shy child and felt very small in what seemed like an imposing building. The other older and smarter kids ruled, and I was nothing. But one day there was a knock on our classroom door. One of the “elite” sixth graders had come down from the third floor to bring our teacher a message. As he entered the room my heart nearly stopped. I knew him – he was my second cousin.

I sat motionless, my gaze following his every move. And then he looked up. His eyes caught mine. He smiled and waved. I shyly smiled back and raised my hand in acknowledgment before he turned and left the room.

Such a small encounter, but my heart and my confidence grew three sizes that day. Someone from upstairs had acknowledged me.

There are many on this earth who will never know your name. There are others who will completely ignore your existence. But don’t be saddened. The One Who lives in the highest place of all knows you and loves you. He is the exalted One Who lives forever. His name is Holy!

Though this One lives in a high and holy place, He has chosen to come and dwell with us. His presence lifts the heads and hearts of those who seek Him. He forgives our sins and revives our spirits. He brings peace to those who are far and those who are near. The comfort of His smile brings great joy. How amazing is that?

So don’t be sad if you feel rejected by some in this world. The exalted One Who lives above has come down from His high and holy place to find you. And His presence will fill your heart with even more joy than the smile and wave of a sixth grader to a tiny kindergartener.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com