It’s nice to be back at my keyboard and catching up with the world o’ blog, although it was a wonderful week away. We all need to step away from time to time, don’t we?
I’ve returned to a busy week, but it’s a good kind of busy, as my girls are coming home this week! We’re having an early Thanksgiving and a birthday celebration for my oldest, as she turns an astonishing 22! While I see my youngest fairly frequently, as she goes to school only a couple of hours away, my oldest lives 24 hours and several states away! We haven’t seen her since May and, like the cry of the old Wolf Brand Chili commercial, “well, that’s too long”!!
When you have a child that lives far away, they don’t have to be a prodigal for you to be able to identify with the prodigal’s father in Luke 15:11-31. While you love the phone calls and emails, you can easily find yourself looking to the horizon everyday for your child’s return. When you know that day’s coming you tend to pull out all the stops, shopping for their favorite treats and planning things to do that you know they’ll love. It really doesn’t matter if they bring home a basket of dirty laundry or even a slew of problems that need sorting out; you’re just thrilled beyond words to have them home. In short, you bring out your best “robe” and “ring” and prepare the fatted calf.
The times that I prepare for my girls to be home never cease to make me think about God’s expectant waiting where we’re concerned. I imagine Him looking to the horizon each day to see me coming for my visit, always ready with His best. Never mind the load of mistakes and blunders that I might lug with me; He’s just happy to see me – perhaps even happier when I do bring a load, because He’s so ready to take that burden from me. And, as much as I know He relishes His time with me on this side of heaven, I know that He’ll come running to greet me with royal splendor when I arrive home for good.
But when He was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him…”Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fatted calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate!”
Luke 15:20, 22-23 NIV
So, I am preparing the fatted calf, or, in our case, turkey. I’m waiting expectantly for hugs and laughter and time, face-to-face. And, with Thanksgiving in my heart, relishing the fact that my Father is pacing at the gate, in anticipation of an eternity of the same with me.
We soon, will be seeing our son, and it was May of 2007 since we’ve seen him and his family. We traveled then, and we travel this time, to them…sometimes one has to do what one has to do. 😉
Florida, here we come!
I see Him there, now. Pacing, as you so eloquently penned. What anticipation. What truth! His eyes are ever on us and his cheers are ever for us. Thank God for the gift of his Son who allows us our “traveling the road home” to his arms.
Thank you so very much for your encouraging words to me today. It means so very much. I’m celebrating your daughter’s return this week. I know your heart is simply bursting with anticipation!
peace~elaine
Melinda, I have two girls, too, and I know what it’s like to barely be able to wait to get them home. Hope your visit is filled with sweet moments, lots of hugs, and fun for all!
Melinda, your words here paint such a picture in my mind. In sensing your anticipation of being with your daughters, my heart rejoices in my Father’s delight to be with me. I’m imagining Him looking for me every day, wanting me to spend some quiet time in His presence. Oh, how I don’t want to keep Him waiting long. One day I’ll be home to stay.
Thanks for the kind words you left on my blog today. God used you to bless me.
Joyfully His,
Joy
Could I have cried any harder? Simply beautiful. Enjoy your time!
Love, Jen
Oh, Melinda, this was such a great post. I know I hate when people just say, "great post", but it's REALLY true this time! You and I both have kids the same age and I look forward to the visits (and even the dirty laundry & problems). Time goes by too quickly and we just want to cherish every moment. When I look at your picture I still cannot believe you are old enough to have kids that old! You are doing something right! I also love how you make it all about God!
Much love,
Angie xoxo
What a beautiful application in a different way of the prodigal story.
I’m sure you are beaming in anticipation. 🙂
Oh gosh Melinda…I just love what your words said and I absolutely LOVE this story in the Bible. Enjoy your sweet time with your family. I’m asking God now to bless you deeply and make your time extra special.
I love ya!
Fran
Whew! this word picture just thrills me! The utter delight He surely finds in all of us.
You may be interested to know, your post confirmed some things Gods been tossing at me of late.
You do bless me so girl!
tammy
Melinda,
Me too! Me Too! Me Too!!!!
I loved your analogy about how our hearts begin to anticipate the return of our children and how we are working to prepare the “FEAST” for our family. Good stuff for thinking on.
I have missed you and am happy to return to blog friend world this weekend as well.
Blessings,
P