Yesterday a friend of mine came by for a chat. We always share stories with one another of where we see God in the world, and this occasion was no different. They and their significant other are moving next year, building a house in another city, and retiring. The place where they’re building is a gated community—before you judge that, realize that through hard work, careful planning, and a lot of luck, they were able to do so. Anyhow, the entrance into this community has a gatehouse; people have to stop, provide their name and be cleared to enter.
My friend recently took a trip down with another friend because they wanted the other to see the new site. No dirt has been disturbed yet, but it’s still something they want to share with their loved ones. So, the two of them pulled up to the gate and the gatekeeper walked over to the car. My friend rolled down their window, stated their name, and said that they were headed to the design office, to see the blueprints of their new home. The gatekeeper, hearing this, leaned in conspiratorially and softly asked, “If you don’t mind, could you tell me the address where you’re planning to build?” My friend, not shy, said “I’m not certain of the number but it’s on the corner of such and such.”
The gatekeeper beamed, smiling from ear to ear and simply said, “I’ve been waiting for you.”
Confused, my friend just sat there awaiting the explanation. Some may have found this odd, but this person is a friend to the world—embracing all in their path. “Why is that?”, they asked.
“Well, ever since I found out someone had purchased that lot, I’ve been discreetly asking people their addresses when they move through here. I’ve not had much luck until today—until you. You see, I’m your new neighbor, and I’ve been waiting to meet you for months, now.” After a few more words and no shortage of smiles, my friend and their companion moved on, going to the design house to see the blueprints.
A little later, the gatekeeper showed up again. Without preamble, my friend and the keeper embraced—the best hug either of them had experienced in some time. They chatted excitedly about what it would be like to live near one another, what the neighbors were like, and how they could convene and have refreshments together at the end of the day…
This is a beautiful story about loving your neighbor. It’s something I harp on from the pulpit more often than not, and I absolutely adored hearing it. But something else struck me as the tale ended…
This is how God views us.
God is the gatekeeper to eternal life. All we have to do is simply pull up to the gate, state our name, and God will say, “I’ve been waiting for you,” beaming with love and affection. Many people will pass by that place, not knowing who waits for them, there; but through faith, the directions are provided by the Holy Spirit and the land is purchased by Jesus Christ. Through thoughtful prayer, devout faith, and a lot of grace, we can look forward to this reward. Inside, a safe retirement awaits. A place where pain and sorrow are no more, neither sighing (as the prayer book states). God stands at attention, awaiting each of us to stake our claim in the Kingdom, hoping that we will make that right turn into His loving embrace and be welcomed as friend, as beloved, as neighbor. Then the inevitable embrace occurs—the eternal embrace of grace that wraps us in insoluble love and affection. Like children returning home after a long semester away, God throws open the gate and says, “Welcome home. I am so grateful you’re here. I have prepared a place for you, because in your heart, you prepared a place for me.”
“I’ve been waiting for you. Thank you for coming home.”
Faithfully,
Fr. Sean+