Homecoming

John 14:2
My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

My brother, Bill, arrives at our mother's house to relieve me from my post for a couple of days.  The rest is much needed and welcomed, and Mom is so happy to have her son with her, as well as her grandson, Daniel, who is now a full-time student and a dependable companion when he's not in class.  I can depart knowing my mother is in good hands.

Because I cannot handle expressways, the journey home from Oxford to Kennesaw, Georgia, is a long one along the back roads and byways.  Pleasant through the rural settings, stop and go with the traffic lights as I pass through several small towns along the way, but as eager as I am to get home, I only allow myself one pit stop in my two-hour-forty-five-minute trip.

I can't wait to see my husband, Danny, and my stepson, Giovanni, and to sleep for a few brief nights in my own familiar bed.  When I arrive at the last light before turning toward our neighborhood, I am surprised by the tears of relief welling in my eyes.  Almost home!  Almost home!  I will my car to soar speedily on angels' wings, yet I realize as I traverse the last leg through the neighborhood, I am cherishing each and every house, yard, tree, and stop sign as if I'm seeing them for the first time.  How I've missed what I've too often taken for granted!

And when I enter our house, I can't believe my eyes.  Everything is spic and span!  Danny and Giovanni have knocked their socks off cleaning floors, counter tops and bathrooms; the laundry is done, and there are fresh sheets on the newly made beds.  If that weren't enough, this beautiful bouquet greets me with a sunny welcome.

Danny and Giovanni have done everything possible to make my homecoming the perfect one.

And I envision, after my long and sometimes arduous journey in this life, another homecoming.  The one in the place the Lord has lovingly prepared for me.

My warm, welcoming and perfect eternal home . . .

~

Have you ever had to be away from your home for a long period of time?  How did you feel when you returned?

Prayer:  We thank You, Father, for preparing a special place for each and every one of us when we go to spend eternity with You.  Thank You for Your endless grace, love and mercy shown to us at all times and in all places.  In Jesus' name, amen.

Because I have returned to Mom's house to help out, there won't be a post this Tuesday.  Hoping to see you all again next Friday!  Blessings!