Devotionals

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Welcome Back Home!

We have all heard the saying, “A man’s best friend is his dog.” I have found there is a lot of truth in that statement. My dog Gracie loves me unconditionally. She’s not a special breed; as a matter of fact I’m not sure what breed she is. Regardless of her background, I know that she’s loyal, trustworthy, and protective. So protective that if I walk from one room into the next she will leave her comfortable and overstuffed pillow to see where I'm going. If I walk into the bathroom I can count on her being outside the door when I come out. If I grab my purse to leave, she will patiently wait to see if she gets to go with me or if she has to stay at home.

When I walk out the door for two minutes or eight hours, I can count on the same tail-wagging greeting when I return. She doesn't care if I’m sweaty from working in the garden, taking a walk, or washing the car. She doesn't care if my clothes match, hair is combed, or nails manicured – she just wants to spend time with me. "Take me as I am" motto. She loves me unconditionally and without a behavioral checklist. She accepts me just as I am even when no one else will.

Unfortunately dogs do not replace people in our need for relationships. We need community, we need fellowship, and we need interaction and communication. Jesus in the Upper Room said to His disciples, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” ~John 15:15 NIV. I have learned from Gracie how to receive Christ’s undeserved friendship and how to become friends to others.

Jesus is the Friend that took my sin upon Himself. He paid the price for my sinfulness in order to make things right with the Father. Jesus has the same, “Take me as I am" motto. He doesn't care what I look like, what condition I'm in, or how long it has been since I acknowledged Him last. He still has the same, “I’m glad you're back” mind-set. Welcome Home friend – you have been missed!

Written by Brenda Bates

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