Separation Anxiety and Walking

My 8 month old is going through separation anxiety, its a stage and at his age and  it is pretty normal. It's a  stage. I have to keep reminding myself it's a stage. He would prefer that I never leave his side...ever. Naps are a battle because he will not go to sleep unless I am holding him or holding his hand. He proceeds to wake up and realizes I am not there, cries as if he's terrified and that I have abandoned him forever. If I am out of his sight you would think he was hurt by the way that he cries. I want to be there for him and there are times when I am right there every second. Sometimes I let him sleep in my arms because he needs the extra comfort. Sometimes I hold him half the day. There are times where I think we both need a little space because it's just overload. Last week was definitely the worst of it! 
On Saturday night he had so much energy I wasn't sure how to put him down for bed, so we were walking around. His little tiny hands wrapped around my two pointer fingers as we trolled about the house. He has stood a few times so I said, "Why don't you practice standing little guy?" I put him flat on his two feet in front of me and what does he do? He looks at me in a half panic and runs into my arms! My son took five whole steps of independence into my arms at a time when his separation anxiety was at its greatest point. This reminded me of my walk with the Lord. At times I want to feel the Lord nearer. I feel alone, despite His promises of "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) I am sealed with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) I am his Child (John 1:13)

It's hard to just 'know' that He is with me when I don't 'feel' Him holding my hand, walking right there with me. With Everett walking it has given me a visual. Sometimes the Lord is there, right with me, but He's not necessarily holding my hand. He knows I can do it from everything He has taught me. I can cling to His promises and know that He has not 'left me.' It just might be that I do something GREAT in my independence, when I feel Him the least He is standing by smiling with pride. As I grow and bloom where I am.