While I’m riding the wave of nostalgia, it got me thinking about The Waltons. It wasn’t a show I watched often. I do remember the family gathered around the radio at night, listening to the news, music, and programs that engaged the imagination. I did something similar years ago at my cabin in Kentucky. I downloaded some of those old-time mystery and detective radio programs onto my iPod and listened to them at night by the light of a kerosene lamp. Of course, after a couple of days in the “holler,” I had the luxury of returning to civilization.
Of course, the thing I remember most about The Waltons was how each episode ended the same way. The house would grow quiet. Lights would go out. And from upstairs would come the familiar chorus of goodnights: “Goodnight, John-Boy.” “Goodnight, Mary Ellen.” “Goodnight, Jim-Bob.” “Goodnight, Elizabeth.” “Goodnight, Jason.” And on it went.
It was a wonderfully ordinary way to end the day.
Nobody was checking email or scrolling through social media. Nobody was wondering what was happening somewhere else in the world. The day was simply coming to an end, and a family was saying goodnight.
There is something deeply comforting about that.
I wonder if it feels so comforting because when we hear the roll call of names, we’re reminded of the importance of being known and being loved.
Those Walton children didn’t have to wonder whether somebody knew they were there. Somebody was calling their name from another room. Somebody cared whether they were going to bed. Somebody would be there in the morning.
I didn’t have a large family like the Waltons. Our goodnights wouldn’t have been taken long. But, as Christians, we’re part of a family with a history stretching back thousands of years. When we finally get together, the “goodnights” will take years! And as we get older, we sometimes forget how much our souls need that sense of belonging.
We can have hundreds of contacts in our phones and still feel lonely. We can be constantly connected and yet rarely experience the simple comfort of someone saying, “I know you.”
The good news is that we never have to wonder whether God knows our name. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God says, “I have called you by name; you are mine.”
By name.
God knows you. And God doesn’t simply know about you. God loves you. God calls you by name.
So tonight, before you go to sleep, let yourself go to your version of Walton’s Mountain. The house is quiet. Whisper, “Goodnight, God.” Listen carefully for the quiet whisper back in your heart, “Goodnight.” And fill in your name.
Remember there is One who knows your name and holds you through the night. You can rest. And that’s a pretty good way to end the day.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for knowing me by name. Thank you for the people who have welcomed me, listened to me, laughed with me, and reminded me that I belong. And when the day is over, and the house grows quiet, remind me that I am never alone. Give me a peaceful heart as I rest, trusting that I am known, loved, and held by you. Goodnight, God. Amen.
