WHY “ON THE PORCH”??

*UPDATED– Originally posted January 29, 2019

**For those who have joined us since 2019

**But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Benny remembers his grandmother, Gommy, waiting in her yard watching for them when they visited her. When they left, she would watch and wave until they were out of sight. That will always be the first thing Benny thinks of when remembering Gommy.

I want my kiddos to have the same kind of memories. I want them to know they are loved and wanted here. Each time Benny comes in from the station, I try my best to be waiting on the porch to show him I am excited he is home. When he or the kids leave the house, I stop what I am doing and stand at the door signing “I love you.” Whether it has been days or minutes since they last left, that is hopefully where you will find me when they pull away. I want the last thing they see in their rearview mirror is love. I’ve done this since they could reach the pedals of the dirt bike or four-wheeler, and I want to be like Gommy and eventually have grandchildren that remember me on the porch, too.

In the story of the prodigal son, the father saw his son while he was a long way off. The son didn’t have to search for his dad or make his way down the driveway alone and in shame. This father was watching and waiting and ran to close the distance between them. This dad was expecting God to answer his prayer, and he was prepared when God did. We all have prayers we are waiting for God to answer. We might have only prayed a short while or we may have prayed for years. God always answers our prayers, but He does so in His perfect timing. When God answers my prayers, I want to be on the porch, expectant, waiting, and ready to embrace those miracles.

If God chooses to answer in a way I don’t understand, I still want to be waiting and ready to take the next step with Him. His answer may not always be what we want or expect, but He also works all things out for our good. God loves us through the good, the bad, and the ugly, and wants His best for us. Our job is to pray…

**And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

So, for now I will continue pray, watch, wait, and be like Gommy…ON THE PORCH.

**2021: Looking back at this post was bittersweet. It is two years later. All three of our kiddos have left the nest and my porch doesn’t see as much action as it once did. Now they get to sign to me as I leave them at their homes. One of my favorite things in all the whole world is still going out on the porch to watch for my family when they come home.

**In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. Psalm 5:3

Story of the Prodigal

**Luke 15:11-32

WHEN GOD RAN

https://youtu.be/VjG_HYUzFcQ