Words to Grow On

Archive Devotions

July 5, 2004

“I can go home now!”

By:

Marie Larrinaga

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.”

Proverbs 16:20 (NIV)

No! Cool! Dumb! Hey you! These are words you often hear from kids today. I will never forget the words I heard a beautiful little girl say while on a hayride at camp. “I’ve see it all – I’ve seen a deer, a rabbit and geese. I can go home now!” A smile came to my face and a big knot formed in my throat because the words were very sincere and from the heart. They made me think. “Am I ready to go home? Have I seen and done it all?


The saying, “Children are to be seen and not heard,” did not apply that evening. Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3 NASB)

This reminder comes from “Stories for the Heart”: “You’ll be home soon, too. You may not have noticed it, but you are closer to home than ever before. Each moment is a step taken. Each breath is a page turned. Each day is a mile marked, a mountain climbed. You are closer to home than you’ve ever been. Before you know it, your appointed arrival time will come; you’ll descend the ramp and enter the City. You’ll see faces that are waiting for you. You’ll hear your name spoken by those who love you. And, maybe – in the back, behind the crowds – the One, who would rather die than live without you will remove His pierced hands from His heavenly robe and …applaud.”

Prayer

Have you seen and done it all---are you ready to go home?
If not, return to your first love, the first time you allowed
Jesus into your life and heart and say,
“ Like a child may I be Lord, ever trusting and resting in You.”

Amen.

"This devotional was written as 'heart preparation' for the women attending a 'Journey in Grace' Women's Conference in 1998."