By Michelle Welch
“And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.”
1 John 2:28 (NLT)
My middle daughter’s husband arrived home four days before their little princess made her entrance. On the day of his homecoming, I had taken my grandson to football practice. His dad wanted to surprise him so the details of the return date were kept secret. I made sure I had the camera ready for the happy reunion.
It brought tears to my eyes to see the joy in my grandson’s face when he saw his father step out of the car and head for the field. He raced across the grass and threw himself into his father’s arms while those of us watching wiped tears from our eyes. These children of soldiers spend so much time with one or both of their parents deployed. It is always heartwarming to see these reunions.
It occurred to me as I was going through these pictures that I want my reunion with Christ to be just like this. I want my relationship with Him to be so strong and sure that when I see Him walking towards me, I run to Him, throwing myself into His arms, laughing with joy. I want all my friends and family around, smiling and wiping away tears when they see us together.
Dearest Father God, Bless me this day that I might continue my study of Your Son. Let His life, His words, His everything become all I need. Let me live my life so that I might never shrink back in shame for anything I have done. You have forgiven me of ALL of my sins. There is no one who can stand between You and I to judge me. Please bless the children of the soldiers Dearest Father. Keep them safe, bless them with peace, make their nights empty of fear and full of Your love. Bless these little ones that they might have Godly men and women surrounding them, helping them, leading them to You, standing in the gap for their parents who fight against evil in this world. Let us live our lives preparing to run into your open arms. In Your Son’s most Holy name, Amen
© Michelle Welch, team member Breath Of Life Women’s Ministries,
Previously published on 8/31/2011.
Photography by Michelle Welch, all rights reserved
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
