In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also (John 14:2-3).

When my youngest daughter went off to college, she was determined to be brave. So, she did nothing but smile and chatter as we took her clothes and boxes to her dorm. Even as we were getting into the car to drive away, her face showed only sunshine. 

When I went to give her a final hug, I first held her at arm’s length and looked her in the eye. I told her what my father had told me many years ago, “No matter what happens here, you are my precious child, and nothing will change that. Our home is always your home.”

That did it. The smile vanished, her face flushed, and she hugged me hard, crying and saying, “Oh, Daddy, that’s not fair!” To which I replied, “Of course, it’s not ‘fair.’ It’s grace!”

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your child by the work of Christ – and for the promise that my performance will never lessen your love. I will always have a place in your heart and heaven prepared by Christ for me.