If you know me personally, then you know that my husband just came home from 2 weeks in Honduras. I can honestly say that I have the utmost respect for military wives. I don't know how they do it without their husbands there. Taking care of our two year was a daunting task alone, not to mention that I just missed my best friend. In the 9 years that we've been together the most we've been apart is 5 days. Needless to say 14 days proved the statement, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder", to be true.
Finally he returned home safely and I felt whole again. Steven and I are not all "lovey-dovey" in public, but I am not ashamed to let others know that I love my husband and that my heart does hurt when he's gone. It should. As I was driving to church the following Sunday after he came home, I was thinking to myself about that previous statement of absence making the heart grow fonder. I could talk to Steven through facebook and a couple of times through telephone while he was gone. Although I had communication with him it wasn't the same. I wanted to see him physically, to smell him, to hug him.
Something hit me as I was listening to a praise and worship song about waiting for heaven and earth to meet in that perfect union one day. Just as I longed for my earthly best friend to return home from Honduras, I eagerly wait to meet my heavenly best friend. In the same way as I communicated with Steven and it wasn't enough, the same is with Christ. He sends us the Holy Spirit to guide us in this life, to be a communicator with us, to remind us that He's not far. I love the Holy Spirit but I am excited to meet Jesus face to face one day. To touch His nail scarred hands, to inhale His beauty and scent, to lounge in His glorious presence.
Now that's something to grow fond of! Just as we long for earthly relationships, our heart should long for a relationship with Christ. To think that we will forever be with Him one day is breathtaking. The trials and tribulations of this life will pass. He promises that He's returning. It's not some cliche you hear about on t.v. It's as true as time. We are His bride and He is our bridegroom. The wedding is being prepared.
