I needed to make another trip to Helena to testify at an important legislative hearing, as well as assist in hosting a dinner event for a small group of legislators. The day started out a bit rough as I’d struggled to find the right outfit to wear. It caused me to be a bit behind schedule, putting frustration right at the beginning of the day.

Things quickly brightened when my daughter Kassi called. I could hear my three-year-old granddaughter Tilly in the background as she chimed in, “Hi Nanny,” and then followed up with a short discourse of her daily activities. After a brief greeting, I reminded Kassi I was heading out of town. Hearing this, Tilly stated, “I don’t want Nanny to go on vacation!” I couldn’t help but laugh. This day was far from a vacation, but the only thing Tilly got out of the conversation was, I was leaving and she didn’t want me to go.

The next day, Kassi called to say they would stop at the house around noon. Still making my way home, I told her I expected to arrive about noon as well. When my little crew arrived at my house ahead of me, Tilly was indignant. “It’s time for Nanny to come home.”

Her comments filled me with joy. Out of the mouths of babes; authentic raw truth, straight from the heart. I loved being with her as much as she expressed wanting to be with me.

Reflecting on her words, I wondered: Does the Lord ever feel like we went on vacation as our days swirl with activities? Does He long for us to come home and sit in His presence, attentive and available to commune with Him? Perhaps He even anticipates our literal coming home, our presence with Him in heaven at the end of this earthly life.

Someday, it will be time for us to go home, to be with Him for eternity. Until then, I want to have a heart like Tilly’s; one that is raw, authentic, and aching for closeness to the Lord, with a hunger for His presence in the moments of my day. What about you? Maybe it’s time for you to come home too!

1 Kings 8:61 “And you, your lives must be totally obedient to God, our personal God, following the life path he has cleared, alert and attentive to everything he has made plain this day.” (MSG).