Warm Welcome!

He turns the bend, and glances towards home

     Still in the dark, and feeling very much alone.

     Will they be glad to see him, after all these years?

     Can seeing him now, heal all the pain and all the tears?

     The soft light in the window soon catches his eye

     Like a magnet it draws him closer, as he stifles a cry.

     He knows without asking, it was left on for him,

     To tell him he’s loved, however long it has been.

     He runs towards that light, running quickly towards his home.

     It’s glow so warm and inviting, now no need for him to roam.

     He is welcomed with joy, and arms outstretched to him in love!

     A message without words, this too is the heart of our Father above.

I wrote this, as I pondered the thoughts and feelings of someone who wants to “return home” but is unsure of the way they would be received. We all have relationships that have had “ups and downs”, where there has been strain or tension, or perhaps they have been broken. Our world is full of people who have severed their ties with family or friends for one reason or another. Later, when the intensity has worn off, and regrets set in, there may be a sense of hopelessness.

Jesus came to show us how to be restored to one another.  The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-24) shows us the love the father (representing God the Father) had for his wayward son.  It is a challenge for all of us. How are we “waiting”? If and when a friend or loved one returns, will it be a warm welcome, or one that is chilled by resentment and unforgiveness? I am challenged by this, to be the kind of person someone would want to return to and have a restored relationship.  How about you?

Dear Lord, Your love is so amazing, and without You is impossible! Show us how to love as You do, and to be a person that always gives others a warm welcome! By Your strength and in Your name, I pray.         

Image Source: https://openphoto.net/gallery/image/view/21013