Last week I was at a Middle East oriented gathering at some friends’ home. I was joyous. I was stirred and inspired to further dream and love the region of the world which most enraptures me. Then it was nearly 830. I knew my husband would be returning from work around 830. I was provoked. I didn’t want to wait any longer than absolutely necessary to see him. I got up. I walked to the end of our street. I began to wait.
First, I stood- composed, ordinary, and still. Then, I sat- undignified, conspicuous, and antsy. I was ardently longing to see my precious husband, my only husband (ever and always), MY husband turn the corner. Minutes passed. Each gold car hooked my eyes, but I knew that our car was still bedecked in wedding proclamations, so I’d more easily recognize it. (There were moments when my waiting felt as a case study in our neighborhood’s gold cars.)
Eventually, seven minutes before 930, it appeared: our car, our chariot of gold. My eyes fused to the moving target. I waved. Initially, Neel did not see me, due to the wedding words shouting from the pane of the driver’s window. I moved toward the vehicle. He stopped.
I climbed in, kissed him, and erupted in giddy joy, happy relief, and “How are you?” inquiries.
And we rode home. Together.
Days later, the image came back and grabbed my hand. We should long and wait for Jesus like this. He’s our ultimate groom. I don’t mean simply for the second coming. I mean for the ALWAYS coming, the daily coming, the IN THIS MOMENT He is HERE coming. We should look, expect, hunger, long, and position ourselves to see Him and His movement.
Today, as you look for things: people, household goods, or new opportunities, let your hope, eagerness, and focused pursuit remind you of your hunt for your Beloved.
Oh! He is rapturously wonderful!
(Song of Songs 3:4)
Come believe with me. 