Nothing is more exciting than Coming Home. Going away has its bits of adventure, touches of curiosity and twinges of fear of the unknown. But the Home Coming, in that there is always rejoicing. You long to hear about the adventures, but the warm hugs are what you are waiting to arrive. Heather and Sam are on their way to pick up their three oldest children. The three youngest children are with them as well. It is a five hour drive and they left somewhere around 4:30am as they have to be there by 10:00am. But that doesn't matter, not even to the smallest of adventurers, because "The Siblings are returning"! They have been sorely missed! The younger ones seem lost without their older counter-parts. And I am certain the campers feel the same as one postcard read...How Is ______? at least six times with various names in the blank.
Jesus told about the Home Coming of a young son. He was eager to start on his own, faltered and was certain his Home Coming would not be Joyous. But That was not the case and the celebration showed him How great is Our Father's Love.
I too, was eager to begin my adventure in the Lord and like the boy have also faltered. The beginnings were grand. I sucked up all the teachings, seminars and worship I could get. I surrounded myself with like-minded fellows to travel about and enjoyed their companionship, and than I faltered. Much like the Boy, the excitement dimmed, the fellowship dwindled and the teachings became routine. It is easy to remain in the pits, but the Promise of the Home Coming is ever before us if we are willing to return. How precious it is to hear, "My Daughter, How I have missed you!", from so loving a Father. "Let us celebrate our reunion, and than you can tell me of your adventures. We have much to talk about." with tenderness in the voice of the Father, we fall into His waiting embrace. And we are Home Again!
Soon our grandchildren will be running into our arms and we will rejoice with them. We will hear of their adventures and simply enjoy the moment. We will have many comings and goings in their lives, but the Home Coming will always be met with Celebration!
May all your Home Comings be Joyous!
