I have found myself wondering throughout the years, about my sons and their wanting to come home to spend time with me. I need to be careful here. When I say, “home” I mean where I am – their homes are in Iowa City now – not West Des Moines. But, as Bradley lovingly stated when he was 17-years old, “Mom, home will always be where you are.” What special gifts I have in my two sons!
I love it when my sons come home. I love being with them. To spend time in shared discussion, games, laughter, even serious debate are some of my most joyful times. My sons are two of the most precious people in the world to me and I will never have too much time with them! They bring light and love into my world. I will always praise God for the gift of my sons!
I often think that how I feel about my sons is just a hint of how God longs for us to be with Him. He yearns for our company and hungers for our conversation in much the same way I long to be with Bradley and Steven. Not because He wants to control us or dominate our time, but rather because of the lovely joy brought about by heartfelt relationship – a communion of intimacy that agape love can only bring. He wants us to long for that time with Him.
Throughout my life as a parent, I have come to appreciate the desire in my heart that when my sons do come home, they do so because they want to – not out of obligation or duty – but because they long to connect with the love that they find here with me. I pray that their souls are filled with the knowledge that within the walls of this home they can always find a love that will never die – they can always count on my love for them. That doesn’t mean that I am always pleased at some of the choices they have made and the natural consequences that follow, but my love never fades…it never will die.
So is God’s love for you – never ending and unconditional! Even if He isn’t happy with some of your choices, His love never ends. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:38) God’s desire is for you to experience this love above all others. He loves you so much that he excitedly waits for the day when you freely and completely come to him so he can wrap his loving arms around you and welcome you home!
My prayer for you this season is that today is the day when you may be open to receiving the unconditional love God has waiting for you. May your heart be open to experience and embrace the joy that God’s love promises. May the peace that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus this Christmas season and throughout our New Year!