Thursday, August 18, 2011 - Addy's Room

"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." 

John 14:3

     Addy is three months old and in spite of the fact that she probably won't get to visit us here in Benton more than two or three times a year, we have an "Addy room" in our new home.  It has a daybed for which I'll buy a quilt since grandmothers and comforting quilts go together like peanut butter and jelly. On one wall stands a bookshelf filled with all my kids' childhood favorites. We'll put the little wooden table and benches in there that our much-loved pastor, Larry Hill, built for Julie when she was three or four. And, if I can find someone to repair it, I'll put in the rocking chair Paw-Paw Bill built for me when I was three. The closet is a treasure chest of toys: the sturdy Fisher Price doll house, the school bus, a garage, as well as an assortment of stuffed animals. We're getting ready for Addy to play, even if she can't sit up quite yet. However, I look forward to the day she looks forward to coming to Coco and Pop's house and runs to "her" room to see what's new.

     Jesus, with more ideas than HGTV, is preparing a room in His Father's mansion for each of us, even though we may still have a while to go before we get to enjoy them. He has no budget of money and His ideas as the Creator of the universe are limitless, so I wonder how each room will look and what treasures they'll hold. How comforting to know He'll be waiting inside to embrace us and see how we like what He's prepared. 

     Father, thank You for the comfort Your promises give us. Whether we come to You or You come to us, we'll dwell together in the heavenly home You've prepared. Lord, open our hearts to invite people to join us there through You. Teach us to be hospitable with Your Love and thank You for the tender love in which You wrap us.

In the Name of Jesus Who will return to escort us, His Bride, home

"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." Matthew 24:30-31

Inspired by Live Loved, by Max Lucado