ECHOES

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3 NIV

That ‘you’ is plural. Jesus is preparing a home for all His kids. A perfect home for perfect children.

But first, the journey.

I’ve never been good at maintaining long distance friendships—but that doesn’t mean ‘out of sight, out of mind’.

Where are they now, those who shared my journey down this river called Time? Reeves, Helen, Martha, Bill, Beth, Eddie, Hal, Anna, Ralph . . .

Riding down the river together, some boats floating near enough to touch, others within shouting distance. Some are with me for a short time, some longer. Whether we steer our craft skillfully or drift aimlessly, for a time we’re in the same current, bound by shared friends, by common interests and responsibilities.

Then one is caught in an eddy. Another is tangled in the branches of a fallen tree and is left behind. Still another is carried in a different direction as the river splits around an obstacle.  

Where are they now, those voices from the past? What currents have they mastered—or been mastered by? Are their boats still seaworthy? What scenery have they seen? What new companions have enriched their journeys? Who sailed on into wide oceans of blessing? Who rode the rapids of adventure? Who glided gently into a still, small pond? Who plunged over a waterfall? Who drifted into the swamps of dementia?

Who has made it Home already?

I don’t know.

But I do know where those who belong to the Master of all waters will soon be. Journey done, we will be together again, in the Home He’s preparing for us.

And the others? There’s still prayer.  

Avi, thank You for all the hellos, for all the ‘sit-and-stay-awhiles’, all the ‘see-you-laters’, and even for all the goodbyes. Thank You for the glorious anticipation of that homecoming reunion. And, thank You for the hope that still remains for those who haven’t yet found You. Please wait a little longer for them, Avi. In Your holy name, Amen.