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Belonging...

We're coming up on eight years here, and I'm reminiscing over the process of finding our home: the place we consider our final stop after years of moving.  We call this little piece of Prince William County our Canaan.

What did we envision as its purpose?  Well, a roof over our heads is obvious.  But we wanted it to be more.  We wanted it to be a place where friends and family gather.  A place where current relationships are strengthened and new relationships forged.  A place where all are welcome and accepted.  A place of respite for us and others.

We're empty nesters, so we don't need a lot of space on a daily basis, but we wanted others to know there was a place for them in our home as well as our hearts.  So, instead of downsizing, we included three extra bedrooms.  They're not large or fancy, but they serve the needs of those who stay.

Our guest rooms are definitely an ongoing process.  We're always looking for ways to make those rooms more user friendly; ways to express our delight they're with us.  We want them to know they're not an inconvenience.  We want to give them a sense of belonging.

Jesus is doing the same thing on a much grander scale.  He told his disciples there were many places to live in His Father's house, and He (Jesus) was going to prepare a place for them.

Okay, those words are not new to me, but today they seem much more beautiful somehow.  Jesus is preparing a place for me.  I am on His mind as He prepares that place for me.  He has already provided the way for me to be there with Him when I leave this earth.  When that day comes, He'll welcome me home and show me to my room. 

 Hillsong expresses this beautiful promise from Jesus in their song WHO YOU SAY I AM.  One little phrase resonates with a much more personal message today than it did even last week...

 "In My Father's house, there's a place for me."

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