“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” ~ John 14:1-3 (NLT)
Thirteen months ago I started a project. I was determined to convert the usable space in my basement into a place for family activity. The design of the space was simple; three rooms. A living area, a bathroom, and last, and perhaps most significantly, a “cubbie.” The cubbie was rescued from the typical use for the confined space under the stairs. Old suitcases, excess lumber, and “I’m sure we’ll use these boxes someday” items were removed.
This stairway area, even uncluttered, is confined and undersized… which is why it’s perfect space for our grandchildren. Intermittently throughout the construction process I have worked in this restrictive area; hunched over, on my knees, head bumping; uncomfortable, but committed. Even during construction, as our one to three-year-old grandchildren were introduced to the concept… they were drawn to it like steel to a magnet. No sales job required; no brochures to pass out.
This week I finished the cubbie. The other two rooms in the basement have tasks pending, but not this room. Hickory hardwood, a specially made 47-inch door, the proper light fixture… game on, grandchildren welcome.
When Jesus ascended, He began the process of getting ready for us. Of preparing a place. He had spent much of His childhood, adolescence and adulthood with a tool-belt on. As a carpenter Jesus was familiar with the assignment; as our Savior He was uniquely qualified and motivated.
Unlike His own birthplace… there will be room… amazing rooms. For us. For His followers. Jesus assures us.
My personal motivation and construction skill pales in comparison to that of Jesus. With every swing of the hammer, buzz of the saw, swipe of the paintbrush… our Lord readies the room… not generically, but personally… for us.
And when everything is ready, He’ll invite us in. Until then, we get small sample-sized glimpses… in worship, as we study, in the comfort of a friend, in the joy of a child, in the transformation of a wandering soul… glimpses of what the cubbie will be like.
My compensation for the hours of work is generously distributed when Malia, Graham or Davey burst into the space that was made for them. I see their joy; their assurance… the cubbie is ready; their cubbie is ready.
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled…”
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