Family

Father God,

I just thank You so much for the family you've given me.  From my incredible parents who have constantly been examples of what it means to love You and love others, to my siblings whose hearts are so sensitive to you... I don't deserve them, and I am humbled that You have been so good to me.

And as if that wasn't already more than I could ask for, You've given me scores of people who have shown me more of You--people who have been redeemed by You, who show me day in and day out what it means to be after Your own heart.  Not only have You given me the incredible privilege of calling them 'friends', You've also helped me see that they are truly my brothers and sisters. They are family.

Then occasionally--for example, this past week--You make this so clear.  You move my friends family to fill my heart to absolutely overflowing.  Thank You, Jesus, that they are so in love with You--thank You that they know your generosity and compassion, that they can love as You love and serve as You serve.  Thank You for bringing us together, even if only for a short time; for because of what You have done in and through them, I am spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically refreshed.

But now, God, my heart hurts because it longs to remain with my family.  I cannot put into words how much I wish the last week could have been extended.  I can only say that my heart feels like it is in different pieces and different places.

Yet You are still faithful.  You are still good.  My heart, as messy as it is, is still full.
Because You have opened my eyes to the little things.  Because You used that too-brief time to make my heart tender to Your still, small voice.  Because You make family for me everywhere I go. And you use the hard, in-between time to remind me that Home is coming... one day, there will be no more goodbyes (or as I like to say, "see you later"s).

Thank You, Jesus.  And I pray that You would continually build up my brothers and sisters.  May they keep their eyes on You alone.  May their hearts remain devoted and open to You.  Thank You, God, that You go before us, that You are worthy of our worship throughout our lives, no matter the season.  Holy Spirit, would You fill and expand our hearts--help us to love as You love, and to bring others into Your family.  And I ask that You would grow us even in our time apart--so that when You reunite us, we would be amazed again by what You have done.

I love You, Lord.  And it's in Your name that I pray these things.
Amen.

“My heart lives in so many places.  With so many people.  But God whispers to me that I really have only one home, and that is with Him.  I will never be content on this earth.  I will always be a nomad.  It was meant to be that way.  My heart was created with a desire for a home, a nest, a sanctuary, and that can be found only with Him in heaven.  And I will continue bouncing from one home to another, loving with everything I have in whatever location I currently reside, excitedly awaiting the day when I am called heavenward and He says to me, ‘Welcome home.’” – Katie Davis, Kisses from Katie