Coming Again

The Christmas season is drawing to a close, wrapping itself back up for us to open again next year. For the past few days I've felt quiet, introspective, withdrawn. Taking a break from the routine of life and our busy schedule I've just rested and relaxed. I've read a novel, something I rarely do, and have put aside my regular study of the word (I've been reading Piper's Seeing and Savoring Jesus, the book of Revelation, Simpson's commentary on Revelation and a devotional by Tozer, all wonderful food for my soul). Why did I do that? I told myself I was taking a break, my bible studies and responsibilities temporarily suspended. My heart knows the truth, you can't take a break from God. If I do I pay the price and must come again on bended knee, sorry I've been away; he never left, thank goodness.

The novel set in the south with themes of home, family, roots, need for belonging have re-reminded me of my old longing for home, The Home. In a way it echoed the deeper truths I've been reading in Revelation, this world cannot satisfy completely, we were made for something more. Happy truth!

I find myself hungry for anything southern; books, poems, pictures, stories, memories, music. I read the southern novel with relish and when it was over I was still hungry. Why do I not turn to scriptural promises of my eternal home with such vigor? How does my heart forget the happy shadows of earth point to true fulfillment? The Word made flesh for me, revealed to me everyday, for every need, every sorrow, every question; united in love, joy, pain.

I think back over Christmas and remember a conversation with Max. As I was busily preparing the church for Christmas Eve he asked what I was doing. My answer prompted his response "Yes, we're getting ready for Jesus to come." I smiled and responded that that was exactly what we were doing.

Oh, that everyday my life would include preparations for Jesus to come, come to me now. A quiet moment seeking his presence. A prayer connecting me with his heart and will. Moments reflecting on the Word, guiding my actions and thoughts. Preparations for that final coming. The second coming made possible by the first. The day when I go home.