I love it when my grandbabies come for a visit. My little redhead came and spent a few hours with me recently. Ava is predictable, and I can visualize ahead of time what it will be like when she arrives.
When she starts up my deck stairs and sees me standing there, she’ll yell, “Grandmommy!” and she’ll start running to me. After a big hug she’ll take one step inside the door, sit down on the mat and take her shoes and socks off. Yes, she makes herself at home.
Then she’ll bounce to her feet, “I need to see Clifford!” For those of you who aren’t up-to-date on three-year-olds, Clifford is a big red stuffed dog. Ava has loved him since she was a tiny baby, and I’d sit Clifford on the edge of her blanket so she could look at him.
Once the Clifford reunion is completed, Ava will want to have a tea party. Granddaddy brought home an adorable child-size table and chairs a few months ago, painted in pink and cream, with cushioned seats and tiny rosebuds painted on the tabletop.
Ava loves it–and I love enjoying it with her while she sits there wearing a tiny tiara, serving milk and cookies on my mother’s china tea service. The best of times!
On this visit, we rounded out the day with a game, watching a movie together, and a few visits to Grandmama’s snack drawer. And then it was time for Ava’s daddy to take her home.
Jason sat her on his lap to put her shoes on, and Ava started crying. “I want to stay at Grandmama’s.”
Her daddy replied that they needed to go home, and Ava choked out, “Can I . . . come back?”
I loved what happened next. Jason stopped what he was doing until the two of them were looking eyeball to eyeball, and then he said with great conviction in his voice, “You are always welcome to come to Grandmommy’s house!”
Yes, always.
It’s the same way with God. We are always welcome to come to Him and to His house. Even when we’ve been gone from Him.
Some of you might have wandered away. The God who loves you so much that He gave His Son for you, is waiting for you to come home. You’ll find Him standing at the door, arms outstretched, love and joy shining from His face. You are always welcome to come back.
Yes, always.
…for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him. (2 Chronicles 30:9b)
