Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Come home, My child

BY TIFFANY AND AARON GRAVETT

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3)

My husband, Aaron, and I are now empty nesters. Though we are thankful for this new season of life where we get to focus more on each other, there are times that we feel sad when our grown kids don't reach out to us anymore (we have six between the two of us). Life’s busyness keeps some of them away. Others keep their distance because they have chosen lifestyles that oppose the values we raised them with, and they fear our disappointment or correction. A couple of them have allowed bitterness over differing opinions to keep them distant for years. Most of them don't realize that – no matter what path they have chosen – the road that leads back home is always open, and waiting at the end are their parents’ joyfully open arms of love and acceptance. 

When I think of the unconditional love I feel for my children, it reminds me how deeply I am loved by my Heavenly Father. It also saddens me to think of how I often neglect to call upon Him or to take time out of my busy day simply to enjoy His presence and listen to what He is saying to me. 

One day when Aaron was also considering these things, he wrote the following letter as though it was from God to one of His children. As you read it, may you also consider how deeply you are loved and desired by your Heavenly Father – no matter what may be keeping you from running home to His open arms.

Dear child of Mine,

It’s Monday. I woke you up this morning and wanted to talk with you, but I guess you were too busy to get where you were going. I tried to speak to you tonight, but I know - that activity you planned was really important to you.

Dear child of Mine,

It’s Tuesday. I just knew you would want to talk with Me today, because we didn’t get to yesterday. You're lying in bed now though and about to go to sleep. I wish you were at least thinking of me. Well, maybe tomorrow.

Dear child of Mine,

It’s Wednesday - I miss you. Please talk with Me.

Dear child of Mine,

It’s Thursday. Don’t you even want to talk to Me? I want to tell you how I can heal that hurt you’re crying about. Please talk to Me.

Dear child of Mine,

It’s Friday. You hurt Me by doing those things that I died for. I’m still here. Please, let Me forgive you. Please talk to Me.

Dear child of Mine,

It’s Saturday. You don’t have much to do tonight. Please read My word - there’s something I want to show you. I followed you as you went from place to place. I even protected you from harm a couple of times. I really miss sharing My presence with you. Please talk with Me.

Dear child of Mine,

It’s Sunday. You’re at church. I really want to strengthen you, but your mind is far from Me. You think this is boring. It’s because your eyes and heart are not on Me. My child, I miss you. There’s so much I want to do in and through you. Please talk to Me…please. Don’t you even love Me anymore? I still love you; come back My child.