Perfect Place

Today’s Reading: John 14:2(NIV)

2 [Jesus said,] “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

Good morning!

There are many rooms to enjoy at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. This five-star facility offers 344,638 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet room space, including 77 meeting rooms and an additional 128,000 sq. ft. of dedicated exhibit space. There are 1,606 guest rooms, including 130 beautifully appointed suites. When Jeff finished his master’s degree at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1981, we celebrated his achievement by taking a mini-vacation at the Anatole. What a treat it was for us to return to this hotel last week for the South Central Jurisdictional Conference. We were surprised by the hotel’s expansion, which included a new atrium, colorful boutiques and pretty indoor garden restaurants.

The centerpiece of our guest room was an oversized king bed, decorated with soft pillows and plush sheets. Two comfortable chairs were perfectly positioned in the sitting area just across from the floor to ceiling entertainment center. Even with all its amenities, I was ready to leave the hotel and come home. There’s just something truly special about being in your own space, sleeping in your own bed, and knowing you can find your way around in the dark night.

Jesus knew what it would be like to return home to the Father and He was more than ready to go. I know that my Father’s house must be bigger than anything I can possibly imagine; even larger than the Hilton Anatole! Jesus was going home to prepare rooms for all of us to join Him one day. And soon, we will all make that final trip home and experience God’s perfect love in ways we cannot comprehend. Our heavenly home will be a place of perfect beauty and peace, where we can rest in the shadow of God’s amazing grace.

Jesus was returning home, to prepare a place for us here and now. Like a diamond sitting snugly in a tiny jewelry box, every heart is precious and loved by God. Christ lived, died and rose again so that we could be in relationship with Him here and now. He has made a sacred space for each of us where we can run to Him, enter into His holy presence, and live in relationship with Him. We do not have to make the journey home alone.

If you’re looking for that perfect space, a place you can call home, look no further. Jesus is only a prayer away, and He has prepared the perfect place just for you. Are you ready to follow Him there?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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