“How many sleeps till we go see Nonnie and Poppy?”
Jayme and Addie planned to come see us during her Easter break from preschool. She loves to ride the tractor and the riding lawn mower with Gary, and she loves for me to play with her putting puzzles together, or coloring, or reading stories.
We love having them here!
Jayme told me they had been talking about when they would come, and so Addie wanted to know how many sleeps till they came. She always wants to know how long I will stay when I come, and how long she will get to stay when she comes here.
Developing a sense of time and anticipation of coming events is a pretty big deal for a 4-year-old — and can be challenging for older folks, too.
The scriptures tell us that Jesus told his followers He would return: “Let not your heart be troubled ... In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
But Jesus did not tell them when He would return.
Mark 13:32 says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
For those waiting for Christ’s return, it seems like a long time, but we have to remember what Jesus said: “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
One reason for Jesus to delay could be for as many as would come to Him in faith, repenting of their sins and accepting His grace and forgiveness that He paid for on the cross as He gave His life for us and become His followers, can have the opportunity to do so and secure salvation and Heaven.
How will we know He is coming?
Matthew 24:27 says, “For as the lightening comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” And Matthew 25:13 says, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
What are you waiting for with great anticipation? Graduation? Getting married? Starting a new job? Going on a long awaited trip? Retirement? What thrills your soul with longing?
We can ask, like our sweet Addie Sue as she waits to come see us, how many sleeps till you come for us, Jesus?
Make sure you and those you love are ready.
