Airport kind of Excitement…
Today I was at a home school convention in Atlanta Georgia. It took place, at the convention center, which happens to be just outside of the Atlanta airport. As we were walking in to the conference center, huge, jumbo-sized jets were taking off and landing. I couldn’t help but watch.
In a split second I was eight years old again, standing at the gate waiting for my Great Grandmother, GG, to arrive for her spring visit. And I, just like then, had chills of anticipation and expectation run down my spine. Back then I could hardly stand the suspense.
It struck me today that when I see an airplane, descending to an airport I think of only one scenario. Someone on board is sitting anxious in their seat, hoping to deplane and see a loved one or friend- who is probably (these days) waiting just as impatiently at the baggage claim area while they glance every 5 seconds at the ETA screen to see if the correct plane has landed yet. And when it all comes to fruition the reunion is joy laced with unbelievable excitement. That’s what an airplane looks like to me.
It is enjoyable to be the one waiting, the one hoping for someone’s return. I have been in that situation often in my lifetime. Watching. Anticipating. But this weekend I was not that one. I had the opportunity to get away over night and have a few moments of peace. In my life as it exists now, that does not happen often.
While I packed up my things, and loaded the car, I began to think of my husband and children. Even though I hadn’t been away long, a little bit of emotion began to creep in on me. I was looking forward to seeing them, hoping for a few hugs, maybe even a few shouts of “Mama!”
In my life as a believer, I am waiting – hopeful for the return of our Savior. I am the one looking forward to that day. Never before today have I even given a thought to what it must be like for Jesus, waiting to return to His loved ones. I think often about longing for His return – but today I wonder: is His desire even stronger to come back and be with those he created and loves? Is He just as anxious to be reunited with us, His church?
John 14:1-3 gives us just a bit of insight: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
When I returned this afternoon, I was greeted with hugs and kisses and sincere words of, “Mama we missed you.” It was a precious moment that I would not trade for anything. As much as is humanly possible, I love my children. So I know, that the Heavenly Father, whose love is far beyond such human emotion, will be back just as soon as He can for those of us who love Him. He promised.
Until then, I’ll have to wait, just like I’m at the airport. But with even more of that kind of excitement I say, “Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!”
(Originally written May 1, 2010)
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