Coming Home

"HBD Mama! Thanks for passing down your love of shoes, travel, salt water, champagne, dancing, and socializing. My favorite thing you instilled in us is the importance and value of being independent women. I’m forever grateful of your support for my wild ambitions— especially those you may not understand! Thanks for not changing the locks and always welcoming us home, although Ivey seems to be getting a little too comfortable. I can’t wait to see you in May and eat Iberico and celebrate.... Thanks for everything, especially this past year." A post sent to me by my daughter Sarah, who lived in Oregon, for my birthday in 2019.

I found this recently and look back and see God's hand all over it. In sisterly humor, Sarah was giving Ivey a hard time for moving home, not knowing she would be coming back due to the pandemic. God totally rerouted her and her career and brought her home! Ivey was home for a "reset" that changed her life for the better in several ways. God does have a plan! 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.'" It's fun to look back and see Him!

I really thought about, "thanks for not changing the locks and always welcoming us home..." Isn't that how our God is? In my humanness, I am sure He has wanted to change the locks on me more than once! I am sure He wanted me to move on or move out. But He doesn't because He sees the big picture. He knows we are coming back to Him to let Him guide and direct us. And He lovingly nudges, reroutes, resets us to the right path. No matter what we have done, where we have been or where we are, God is ready to welcome us home with open arms! He says, come as you are! 2 Peter 3: 9, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Welcome home!