Thanks for Having Me

“Thanks for having me.”

That’s what the text said in reply to my nightly text to my college boy.  I had written how much I enjoyed seeing him during one of his quick visits home.  And he texted back, in part, “Thanks for having me.”

I paused for a second, taken aback, in a way, by those four words.  On the one hand, I appreciated his manners.  On the other hand, it made it sound like he was simply a visitor we had hosted for a few hours. 

Oh, but he is so much more than that!  I really don’t need him to thank me; I am the one with a heart overflowing with gratitude.  How much joy it brings me to have this boy/man under my roof for whatever length of time his busy schedule allows!  Please, my dear child, always know how much you belong here and how very welcome you are.  This home is yours, too!  

I did text him back and joke that he made it sound like he was just a visitor, and I tried to convey my deep desire that he never need feel like he must be “hosted” here; he belongs!  

“Unless,” I joked to him, “by saying, ‘Thanks for having me,’ you were thanking me for having you in the sense of giving birth to you.  Then, yes, you better thank me for enduring the intense agony of the day you were born into this world!”

But even that, at least now that the memories of excruciating pain are quite faded, is something I would do a million times over for the privilege of being a mom.

A New Stage

I knew when he was born that the days were limited. I was aware that, eventually, his bedroom in the upstairs of our home would be vacant for longer and longer periods of time. Knowing the time is coming, however, doesn’t remove the challenges of adjusting to that new stage of life when it arrives.  

Of course, God goes with us through all of life’s stages. As I previously wrote and reminded myself, God goes with our children wherever they are. He is with them when we can’t be, and he remains with us to see us through the life challenges on our end, too.

It has been exciting, absolutely, to see my child soar since he started college a few months ago, to see prayers answered in amazing ways.  He is involved, he is learning, he is loving school, he has formed friendships with some pretty awesome schoolmates.   God is with him, filling all of his needs, and he is able to function (mostly) on his own.  

But I miss him. He is not too far away, and I’m glad about that.  I know I am blessed to still get to see him pretty regularly, and I treasure every moment he is under our roof.  The quick texts and periodic phone calls bring me joy between visits. I delight in the time I get to spend with him, and I can’t see that changing as long as I am alive.  

His walking through the door into our home will always bring great joy.

God’s Delight

My delight over time spent with my children, however, pales in comparison to the way God delights in his children.  

He knows our names

From the first inkling I had that I might be pregnant, I loved the tiny being growing within me.  I practiced saying the names we were considering.  I even now carry my children with me as I wear a ring with their names inscribed on it.

God’s love for each of us began long before we were born.  He has known our names since long before our parents chose them.  He promises to be with us always, and he is the one who carries us with him. 

Isaiah 49:1, 16 Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name… [He says] “I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

He works all things for our good

There is little I wouldn’t do for the good of my children. It is a challenge, for sure, to determine what is really for their good, and sometimes tough love is required.  I pray they never have reason to doubt that I am always here for them and will do everything I can to help them.  

There is nothing God wouldn’t do for our good, for our eternal good!  He knows exactly what is best for us. He is with us always, protecting us from the dangers of the world around us.    

Isaiah 43:2, 5: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze… Do not be afraid, for I am with you.

He bring about good plans for our future

As parents, we try to set our children up for a safe and successful future.  God planned our future before time began.  He will surely bring about the plans he has for us, hopeful and prosperous plans.  He planned for our salvation and did all that needed to be done to accomplish it. Even now, he is preparing a place for us in heaven, where we will spend eternity with him and all of our family of believers.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that you may also be where I am.

God Delights in Us

I delight in the time I spend with my children because each of them is precious to me, but each of us is even more precious to God.

Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior saves.  He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.  

God takes great delight in us; he rejoices over us with singing!  Isn’t that awesome?  Even more than mine do when my son comes home, God’s arms, at all times, open wide in welcome.  More than I long to spend quality time with my children, God yearns to have us sit at his feet and soak up all that he has to share with us.  He repeatedly invites us to come to him no matter where we are physically located and receive the blessings that he longs to pour out upon us. 

“Come to me.  Seek me.  Follow me.  Listen to me. Trust me.” 

Never do we need to wait for a “good” time to visit with our loving God.  Never do we need to feel like he isn’t ready for us to spend time with him.  There is never a need to wonder if we truly are welcome in his presence.

God Blesses Us

My son, whether he realizes it or not, receives blessings from his time at home.  Often his laundry gets done, meals are prepared for him, needed items are given or ordered, advice – welcome or otherwise – is given.  I believe he appreciates the benefits, which is, perhaps, why he says, “Thanks for having me.”

The blessings we receive from spending time with our heavenly Father are unlimited and available without fail.  God has revealed to us in His Word all that we need to know about him and his love for us. He assures us that he has accomplished for us everything that is needed for our salvation.  The wall that separated us from God because of our sins has been torn down.  The doors to God’s presence remain wide open, and God joyfully welcomes us as his children.   

In God’s presence, through his word, we discover that we have the incredible blessings of forgiveness, peace, rest, assurance of salvation, freedom from guilt, and the certain knowledge that heaven is ours. That is why we are about to celebrate Christmas – God sent his Son to accomplish our salvation!

When I spend time in God’s Word, when I sit at his feet and soak up all that he has revealed to us, and when I realize how very blessed I am to have been welcomed into his presence, all I can say is, “Thanks for having me, Dear God!”

And I hear in my heart his tender reply, “Anytime, my dear child. Anytime.”

And…Thanks for Having Me

On another note….

My desire to write/blog remains strong, and I think it is safe to say that the same is true for Paula. Busy lives and long to-do lists don’t always cooperate with our desires. Thank you for reading when we do write and share, and for your encouragement.

God-willing, I/we will be more productive in this area in the year to come. God blesses us with many opportunities to be busy in good ways. In those moments when blogging does not become out-prioritized, I pray that God uses my ineffective words to bless others.

For now, have a most joyful and blessed Christmas, sitting at the feet of Jesus and soaking in all the blessings he delights in pouring out upon you.

Here is a song that helps to focus my thoughts on what Christmas is all about. Enjoy!