My Giddy Smile

Several weeks ago, I shared how devastated I was as my husband left to prepare a place for the boys and me. We had no idea how long his absence would be, but he has now booked his return ticket and is coming for us!

Throughout our wait, both of our voices were filled with longing and desire to be together. Walter looked for a home, literally preparing a place for us, as I stayed behind wrapping up the business of our household. However, once booked and confirmed on the first seat, first row, and first direct flight out of Tampa, there was a change in the tone of our communication. Suddenly filled with anticipation, there was an expected end to our separation!

I do not say this lightly, but there has been a change in the tone of the Lord's voice, speaking to the church. He is no longer concerned with just the maintenance of His people – how we thrive through the Spirit in His absence. No, there has been a shift, and it is one of urgency. "Get ready; I am coming!" Filled with anticipation at claiming His bride, it declares time is short. While we do not know the day or the hour, His ticket is booked, and there is no way He is missing the occasion anymore than Walter will miss his flight in returning for our family. Yet, there is still much to do and pressing business that I must attend to with diligence.

This morning as I was packing up my kitchen and spices, the thought came to me that I would willingly leave behind all that brings flavor to my temporary life to see my hubby. I really couldn't care less about the place he has procured. I desire to be in his presence - to be held safely in his arms, never again to be separated. I would rather watch Walter do nothing than be caught up in busyness without him.

I must be honest that, at that moment, the Spirit gently questioned how much of this transitory existence I would give up to live in the presence of my Beloved, Christ Jesus. Would I willingly leave behind all that, in the past, I thought so vital to my life? Would I rather spend my days simply as a doorkeeper in the house of God, gazing upon His face, than live without His presence in my life (Ps. 84:10)?

For Walter and me, best friends and lovers, to be with one another is our joy. Every obstacle is overcome when we stand together in the Lord! Between our ever-increasing love for Christ, our bond grows stronger, and we become one in Him. Is it the same between my Lord and me? Can I say with confidence, "I am my Beloved's, and He is mine (Songs 6:3)?" Am I just as anxious to hear His voice and bask in His presence? Do I eagerly call Him about the most minute details of my day, to listen to His thoughts and get His reaction?

You see, a home is not home for Walter and me without one another, any more than heaven is heaven without Christ united to His Bride. This is our blessed hope!

" For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,

teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,

we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us,

that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself

His own special people, zealous for good works.

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."

Titus 2:11-15

I am speaking (or, to be more precise, writing). My Beloved, the One who gave Himself for me, is returning! His salvation is available to you, as well. This is the word of faith we preach: "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Rom. 10:9-10).

Knowing that Christ is returning soon fills me with hope! It compels me to share His life and invitation with the world. I am not left alone at all; I am filled with His Spirit, my Comforter and Friend. I am sitting on "go." All that is of this world is unimportant in light of our imminent reunion, and I am more than ecstatic that it is an occasion I will share with my beloved Walter and my four boys. It is our prayer that you, too, look forward with eager expectation and will accompany us.

In the meantime, I prepare and wait. Which I will greet first remains a mystery, but either way, I've been claimed. With the giddy smile of a girl in love, I proclaim for all the world to hear, "I am my Beloved's, and His desire is toward me!" (Songs 7:10).