Friday, July 25, 2008

The Way Home

Today’s Reading: John 14:6-7 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”

Good morning!

Jeff and I sat on the edge of the twin bed together, enjoying the picturesque view from the window of the Windsor Nursing Home in Terrell, Texas. We were visiting our friend Hollis, whom we had not seen for many years. We have fond memories of the time we spent with Hollis and his wife Lillian, who has now entered into life eternal. Hollis had lots of trouble hearing our voices, and his fading vision did not permit him to see our faces clearly. Yet, even in his advanced years, Hollis had not changed all that much. He was obviously thinner, with a few more wrinkles and age spots. I would have recognized his extraordinary voice anywhere.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the many pictures that decorated Hollis’ room. We knew his children and many of his grandchildren. Hollis caught us up on the news of his family; his words conveyed a deep appreciation and love for each of them. As I admired the photographs, I was amazed by the striking resemblance of his family. Daughter Linda looks so much like Lillian now, that she could have passed for her twin sister. The boys resembled their papa, not just in height; they had inherited their father’s kind and loving eyes. Young Natalie is as beautiful as a young mother as she was a young child. Her face radiates her grandparents’ unconditional love, which is now being passed along to her own babies. The pictures remind me of the strong ties that bind us together as a family. No matter our age or stage along life’s journey, we are part of a generational thread that links us together to the past, present and future.

In every human heart, there is a deep yearning to know who you are and whose you are. Jesus knew His Father. He knew that when the people saw Him as the Son of God, they would then recognize their Father for who He truly is. Jesus came to show the world the way home to our heavenly Father, who loves us so. He is the tie that binds us together as family. No one can know the Father unless they know the Son.

The Father loves you so much that He sent Jesus, His Only Son, to show you the way home. You are precious, priceless, cherished and loved. Come to Jesus today, and meet your Father. He is waiting to love on you right now.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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