“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20b (NIV)
8:00 Monday night. Sighing, I slowly pulled into the garage and turned off my ignition. There was a circus happening inside my house. Upon hearing my car pull in, Tipper, our 85 pound Rottweiler puppy, ran to the garage door. Waiting for anyone to open the door, she’d impatiently glance around, her whole black back-end wagging.
Easing out of my car, I reached into the backseat, withdrawing my computer bag.
A door squeaked.
A flash of black fur hurled at me. Before I could turn around, Tipper was “kissing’ my hand and dragging me by my sleeve into the house.
This dog dearly loves her people! As a work from home mom, I was generally home. Once a week, I would leave for ninety minutes. Once a week.
The other 166 hours I was generally there.
No matter.
Every Monday night I receive the same homecoming. She was ecstatic to see me! She needs to love on me and quickly corralled me into our home, where, once I removed my coat, she seemed satisfied I planned to stay.
Tipper’s forever ecstatic to see me. I can always anticipate receiving an enthusiastic welcome home.
God’s like that.
Even if we’re “there” most of the time. Even if we only left momentarily. He’s ecstatic for our return. He loves to reconnect with us after a separation, no matter how ‘short’ it may seem. He loves us, no matter where we’ve been, what we’ve been doing, and regardless in what state we return.
The important thing is we return.
There are very few places in this world where we can count on unconditional love from someone.
But a dog named Tipper and God are two guarantees!
Reflections:
Where have I found unconditional love?
Where am I guaranteed to find it?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes when I return to You I am weary and burdened. Thank You for welcoming me home with a loving embrace. Thank You for never closing the door on me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for reading! Please return by Friday, July 29, for the next post!