MINE

Walking through the door she was greeted by her son. He was very vocal that she had been gone without his permission for too long. She could barely walk through the door before he literally threw himself at her. There is nothing like the welcoming love of a child.

Carrying in bags, groceries, and assorted items from the car, her child met her at the door with each load. He nearly tripped her in his eagerness to be with her. Her other son merely sat on the couch watching, but not allowing himself to greet her. Only his eyes as he watched her every move gave proof that he too was anxious for time with mom.

Finally, all was inside, put away, and she was ready for some down time with her boys. It had been almost two weeks since she had been home. She missed them as much or more than they missed her. Sitting in her chair, she raised her feet, got comfortable, kicked off her shoes, and became possessed. Both boys launched themselves through the air, landing on her lap and chest, staking her as "MINE."

There is nothing like unconditional love. Settling in for cuddle time, the three drew peace and contentment from one another. They didn't fight over her; just each claimed their space and purred their contentment. They knew she missed them as well as she too relaxed--soothed by their presence. "MINE, my precious boys." Oh, she knew she would have to pay eventually. They would leave her--eventually--just not now. Now they each needed the other.

Sometimes in our lives, we get so busy that we don't make time for God. Then something happens and we leap into the love arms for support, comfort, and to remember whose we are. There is no posturing, just the comfort of belonging. After our immediate needs are met, we posture and toddle off on our own again. The beautiful thing is that we always know to whom we belong--we are God's beloved children. No matter how far we wander, God is always waiting so that when we come back, God reminds us . . . "you are mine."

Gracious God, so often we wander our own way with no thought of you. No matter where we go, you are always with us, waiting for us with open arms, reminding us that we are yours and you are ours. You claim us with that beautiful word, "mine" and love us. Help us learn to love others as you love us. Help us to remember that you too are ours. So be it. Amen.