I’m homesick for my kids. This bout came on suddenly. I woke up from a Friday evening nap, poured some sweet tea over ice, and prepared to do a little writing. That’s become my end of the work-week — rest up for the week-end routine.
With no words on the tip of my fingers, and sensing none stored in my tired brain, I picked up my Bible. The ribbon was between the two books of Thessalonians. I turned, page left, and started reading at I Thessalonians, the fifth chapter.
From the first verse, Paul was sounding like a parent, telling the church at Thessalonica that he shouldn’t have to write what he was about to write. He goes on to warn that “the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.” In verse 4, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that the day should overcome you as a thief.” And verse 5, “You are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.” Then verse 6 starts with a “Therefore…”
It was at verse 6 when the homesickness hit me. First, I laughed. How many times have I started a lecture to my own children with, “You ought to know better?” Verses 6-15 give instruction, each with a clarification or rationale. I was always the kind of mother to elaborate on simple instruction. By verses 16-22, Paul leaves out the reason, and just tells the church what they need to do. It took me back to the days when I yelled out last minute instruction — clearly and succinctly so the teenager walking out the door would not be able to claim mistake or excuse.
Then my eyes got teary. Where I would have told my three kids, “Because I said so,” Paul tells his children, who he had loved from their infancy as Christians, “for this is the will of God.”
After Jesus, Paul is probably the most famous bachelor in the Bible, but he sure wrote like a parent. The last six verses are a prayer for the church, and Paul included himself as he wrote that prayer. I hope you’ll read the entire chapter. It’s short. When you get to the sixth verse, pay attention to the way Paul changes from the word “you” and begins to include himself with the instructed.
How many times were my own words aimed at my three children when they landed in my own ears?
The verse for my week: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
As for my homesickness, there is only one cure. I’m gonna add $100 to my travel to Okinawa fund, find the cheapest flight to Phoenix and book it. Then finally, I’ll call my grandson, Isaac, in the morning. His birthday is Sunday. Maybe he can talk his mom and dad into meeting me and Roger in Springfield for a birthday dinner.
For Rob, Paula, and Aimee: If all I had in this world was you, I would have reason to rejoice. You know I pray for you and thank God for you – every day – sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. And before I forget, do what it says in the fifth chapter of I Thessalonians. Because I said so.
There. I feel better already.
Wet Feet 