An Invitation Motivated by Love
As children when we would go to visit our grandmother, we would usually travel at night. This would keep the children asleep and cut down the many bathroom breaks you may need on your journey. It meant that when we arrived, the house needed to be ready for sleepy children and adults. I remember fondly the pallets that would be made for us or, the sofa with a sheet and blankets, and even sometimes a bed. It was an exciting time. We so loved visiting Granny and Joe. Joe is what I called my grandfather. She greeted us with hugs and kisses and such a wonderful feeling of being truly wanted in her home. Joe of course was glad to see us as well, but something about the way Granny met us at the door. She was waiting for us, anxious for us to get there and so happy and excited when we got “home.” No matter where she lived, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, it was always us coming home. You know what? It really was like going home!
As an adult when I would take my family to visit, we used the same practice. She met us the same way. She was always ready for us to get there. Pallets were replaced by an air mattress so my kids were deprived! They never knew the pleasure of sleeping on a rock-hard surface with quilts as a barrier between them and the floor. She greeted us so lovingly and with such joy, we knew we were wanted.
Talking to a wonderful friend recently, we were discussing such things. The conversation centered around feeling wanted. Sometimes, we are invited somewhere and the invite goes something like this:
“We are going to dinner; you are welcome to join us.” Sounds nice enough. but hear it for what it not saying. “We are going to dinner, and we want you to join us.” Doesn’t that carry more feeling and make you feel truly welcome? “We are going to have family movie night. I have your favorite snack and place beside us on the sofa, please come and join us.” “Mom, I am coming over to take you…” Love will make a difference in our words.
God did not send His son to say, “I am going to die for you so you will be welcome to join us in Heaven.” Jesus said,
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 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? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1-7 (NIV)
My heart hears this when I read that.
My precious child, I love you! I am excited for you to come home! Everything is ready, your room is prepared. I will see you and greet you with a hug and kiss when your journey is completed.