Twilight

I’ve often said that sunrise with the Father is my favorite time of day. And it is! But there is something about the early stages of evening that stirs my soul. My spirit is comforted most at that time of day when all the world begins to shade itself in ever-deepening colors of blue and settle down for rest. The sound of “Zee-er” bugs (locusts) in the trees and the sight of fire-flies in the yard gives me a feeling of homesickness.

At that time when street lights come on and house windows turn golden with light, I love imagining that behind each bright pane of glass is a happy loving family. Such were the summer evenings of my childhood. We watched for the street lights and listened for Dad’s call. Those were the signs that it was time to go home. Work was done for the day. Dinner was over and the dishes were done. We children were bathed and in pajamas. All was clean, and ready to end the day.

Especially sweet to me are the memories of evenings with my grandparents. The last event of the day was watching the news and weather forecast while Grandpa explained to you what it all meant for this year’s wheat or alfalfa crop. In the background were the sounds made by Grandma’s bustling about to ready your room and bed. Everything just right. Cool blue sheets without a wrinkle in sight. Fluffy marshmallow pillows. Overhead lighting turned off and bedside lamps turned on. The whole house magically became a beautiful, comforting, sweet smelling place of rest.

Just now I’m listening to the “Zee-er” bugs, the crickets and a couple of bull-frogs. I hear a Dad calling his children home for the night. Two little boys whoosh past me on bicycles as they rush to be home by curfew. There is an elderly couple on their porch talking in low murmurs about their day; and in the distance I hear the calliope music of the ice-cream truck making it’s final rounds. Very soon now it will all be quiet and everyone will be safely at home.

The stars in the heavens are beginning to shine now. Bright, golden, comforting, twinkling, magical lights. Thousands and thousands of them. Windows into heaven? I like to think so. Can you see them? Behind them is a home filled with love. Do you hear that sound? It’s the bustling about of the Father and Son preparing a place just for us. Making it just right. Inhale deeply. Can you smell that sweet aroma of praise that surrounds them? Can you feel the love and comfort and rest awaiting we who are His children?

It’s time to finish up work. Watch for the signs. Don’t miss it. Very soon now the Father will turn to the Son and say, “Go call the children. It’s time to bring them home.” And the family will all be safely at home and at rest.

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command…and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever!” I Thessalonians 4:16-17

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20