A Surprise Visit

Our son came home for a surprise overnight visit from college.
A surprise visit is the best kind of visit.
Not expected but always welcome.

He was home in time for dinner and we were having something he loves.
I smiled at the ease of his return.
Only a son could come into our home that way.

First the hug, the genuine, I’m so glad to see you, hug.
Then the place to put his shoes, his jacket, and his backpack.
A run upstairs to see his sister and her excitement that he is home.

Home.
Without missing a beat, he is home.
Home to the familiar; home to where he can just be himself.

No other person, but my child, could have open access to my home.
My home is his home; my home is their home.
They know all the places; they know all the stories; they know it because it is their home.

No matter where they go, wherever they may move someday, this is always home.
This is where their story began.
This is the place of unconditional love.

This is the place they rode their first bike and played football on the lawn.
This is the scene of many Christmases, lingering for an entire morning under the tree.
This is where they marked their birthdays with cake and candles and presents and family.

This is where they learned to drive and played basketball on the driveway.
This is where first teeth were lost, floors were skated on in socks, and secrets were shared.
This is where tears were shed, laughter was heard, and hearts were protected.

Home.

When children come home, even adult children, they expect things to be the same.
They notice new pillows, a new haircut, and nuances of difference.
Things that I may overlook, because I am here everyday, are spotlighted to them.

Their bed, their dresser, their desk are all waiting for them.
Their place at the table remains empty in their absence.
Extra towels in the laundry and an additional toothbrush on the sink are a welcome sight.

Home.

Imagine if their key didn’t fit the lock any longer.
Imagine if their clothes were removed from their closet.
Imagine if another took their place at the table.

It is hard to fathom because they are my children.
This is where they will always belong.
This is where they will always be accepted.

This is where they learned about God.
This is where we read His Word.
This is where we prayed.

This is where they learned respect.
This is where they were disciplined.
This is where they blossomed into the men and women God intended.

Home.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you with Me that you may also be where I am. (John 14:1-3)

Jesus is preparing our place in His Father’s house.
Jesus is setting our place at the Table.
Jesus is excited that we will be where He already is.

We can relate.
There is nothing better than anticipating your child’s arrival.
There is nothing better than dreaming about their place being filled at the table.

Our arrival in heaven is not a surprise for the Father.
He knows the day and the hour of our coming.
Not a second sooner, or a second later, will we arrive.

However, Jesus’ return will be when we least expect it.
Only the Father knows the day and the hour of Jesus’ return.
We must always be ready for Him at any moment.

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son but only the Father…Therefore keep watch because you do not know on what day you Lord will come. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. (Matthew 24:36,42-44)

A surprise visit.
We know from God’s Word that Jesus IS coming back.
We do not know when.

We must be ready.
Jesus is coming to take the children Home.

Home, where there is a place for you.
Home, where your place is waiting for you at the Table.
Home, where there are no more tears.

Only a child can have open access to the Father’s House.
Only a child can receive that, I’m so glad to see you, hug from the Father.
Only a child knows the way Home.

We know the way Home because we know the WAY.

You know the way to the place where I am going. Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where You are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
(John 14:5,6)

Only a child knows that His place at Home is secure.
Only a child knows that kind of love.
Only a child can go Home again.

Jesus will come when you least expect Him.
Are you ready?