Preparing A Place.

Soft linens cover the mattress.  Folded blankets of knitted patterns stack in piles.  Hair bows clipped to ribbon on shutters; verses hang like fresh laundry from twine.  Pink polka dots and floral bunches stamp femininity on a closet of little clothes.  Diapers are layered in drawers, books fill baskets, and frames prop empty for pictures.

Preparing a place.

Each little detail is thought through, each nail perfectly placed in the wall, each dress dotted over and laundered, and each chair sat in for size.

Preparing a place.

As a mother-in-waiting, there is much intention in preparing a place.  Prayers, details, planning.  So many hours of foreseeing the final presentation, then awaiting the use of the space.  It's a preparation of the place as well as a preparation of the heart.

As a mother prepares for the arrival of her child, so God also does for us. Jesus spoke the words, "In my Father's house there are many rooms... I go there to prepare a place for you"  (John 14:2).  How beautiful to think of him preparing and waiting and nesting for his chosen, his beloved.  How encouraging to know he too is in a season of waiting in patient yet anxious anticipation for the arrival of his child.  He is preparing a place.

There is communion with God even in this task, even in this waiting, even in this hope.  Even in preparing a place.