Welcome

I know the minute they walk through that back door that one of my little friends has come for a visit. I hear their footsteps, and know by the pace they are moving which grandchild it is. They each have their own little gait. Some are slightly more caution, and some are just out for the hunt to find out who is here and who is not. They open the door and round the corner to the kitchen, usually check first for snacks and then speak to the dog who is generally lying in wait for a handout, and then circle the perimeter, in confidence of familiar settings, to receive a warm welcome and a tight hug. No need to knock, no need to call for they know they are welcome at any time. My door is always open to them. I write this as I listen for Sam to come cruising in. Mom has a teacher conference and Sam and I get to spend the morning together.

When I hear those little friends in my house, my heart just lights up. Goes to reason they are called grand. But as I was thinking through this open door welcoming, it hit me that that must be the way Christ feels when we come through his door to visit. We have an open invitation to come to him at all times, with all our worries and anxieties and joys and triumphs. And he waits with true delight to have us
come into his presence. He welcomes us warmly with his love, and knows our gaits, is attentive to our steps, and is anxious to hear the events our day from our perspective. He already knows his perspective.

Oh but how many times do we pass by the opportunity to stop by and visit. To tell him that we think of him constantly through our day and
we would love his input on this or that, or his direction on a path that we are contemplating, or his comfort because our hearts have been broken to pieces. I think of how much I adore my little friends, how I love to hear their voices, and see their faces, and know what is gin on in their little lives. If I feel this way about them, and love them with such an overflowing love, I can not even begin to imagine how much the Lord loves you and me. No matter how hard we try we still look through human lenses. Christ, in all of his heavenly glory sees us
as his grand creation being transformed each day through trials, experiences, adversities, successes and joys which he is allowing to shape our lives, for his purposes.

Christ is always home and always waiting for a drop by. No need to knock, no need to call first, we are welcome in his presence at all times, for any reason, without hesitation. He cherishes the time we make and take to be with him. The more we visit, the more familiar we become with ways, and his welcome and our faith and trust in him becomes greater. For visits are the foundation for a wonderful and loving relationship. That is the way it is egis with friends, family, acquaintances. Oh, but the relationship that we establish worth Christ is the greatest foundation of all. Blessed are we to be loved in such a mighty and unconditional way. May we embrace that love and go forth in confidence, in anticipation, in gratitude, and in total fulfillment that we are his grand creation who is being transformed each day for his glory.

Matthew 18:5
And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Gotta go, my little Sam is here! We are off to feed the horses of the mounted police.

Dear Lord, What a blessing you have given me in grandchildren, and the lessons that you make me aware of through them. Thank you.
May I be reminded that just as I adore their visits that you too adore the time that I take to be with you. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!