Dark, cold, seemingly endless interstate roads were a large part of my life for over a decade while I moved around the country for school and military service. Indiana to Bergen County: 750 miles. Denver to Bergen: 1777 miles. Missouri to Bergen: 1147 miles. Mile after miles, and I remember very little of them except for one spot, the lights of Paterson, NJ.
The lights of Paterson are hardly notable but for one thing – when they appeared I knew I was almost home. They’d appear out of the dark in the wee hours of the morning giving me a surge of joy and relief knowing I had made it. When I see them now I still feel it – home!
Home, where I can exchange vending machines and lukewarm coffee for a fridge full of my favorite foods.
Home, where instead of cold, dirty commodes I get my mom’s sparkling bathroom and hot shower.
Home, where weary hours of clutching the wheel turns into a soft mattress and my favorite pillow.
Home, where I feel welcome and safe because my parents love me.
Home!
If we expect all this good from parents, why would we ever expect less from our Father in Heaven?
Jesus told the story of the farmer and his two sons so we know exactly what to expect when we go to our Father.
Remember, the wandering son, as a last resort, was going home to beg his dad for a job as a hired hand. He would have been happy for a bowl of soup and some hay to sleep on. Instead his dad charged down the driveway to meet him, showering him with the best he had: clothes, shoes, ring and a giant party. Your Father in Heaven does the same.
Jesus said, “Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
How do you think the farmer would have felt if his son had said, “I don’t want all the stuff you are giving me. I want to live away from you in the barn. Send me some bread and water, and I’ll start work in the morning.”
His dad would have been so heartbroken.
We often turn our heavenly Father into a stingy god who doesn’t want to care for us. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Head for home. Pull in the driveway. Get out of your car and let the Father embrace you. He’s waiting for you.
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Scriptures quoted: Matthew 7:9-11, Matthew 11:28
Hope Walking 