I waited for you today. I had hoped to meet you in the quiet corner of the coffee shop you frequent nearly every day. I enjoy sitting across from you, listening to your heart. Hearing you share about your daily life thrills me. I’m honored when you share with me. I want to walk through life with you. I’ll listen to the details and never trivialize them. I’ll listen to your dreams no matter how silly or out-of-reach they might seem. I’ll help broaden your perspective to see the big picture.
I just want to sit with you. I even treasure our silence. It’s the time we spend together that I value.
I waited, hoping you’d slip into the empty chair across the table from me.
I know you’re busy. Even on the days when your schedule goes smoothly, it’s difficult for you to fit anything extra. To be honest, I wish I wasn’t “extra.” Perhaps you don’t understand how invested I am in your life. I want you to know I support you. I love you, and because of that love, I will always approach you with compassion, patience, kindness…and yes, accountability. You might not always like what I say to you, because my love for you is bold enough to confront you when you need to be confronted. I care too much about you to let you continue with faulty thinking or unhealthy behavior – no matter how extensively you’ve rationalized it.
You probably get mad at me sometimes. Other times you might be frustrated. On those days, you avoid spending time with me. On the days you don’t push open the doors and purposefully walk toward me and sit to share time with me, I miss you no matter what your reason is. When I look at the empty chair across from me, I am sad. I watch people coming and going; many of them are walking by themselves, connecting with no one but the person handling the requested exchange of money and goods. I listened to people placing their orders with specific instructions and becoming disgruntled when the end products aren’t exactly as expected. Every now and then, I catch someone’s glance and exchange a quick smile.
But I long for substantial connection, where someone is open to my investment into them.
That’s what I want for you.
I miss you.
I’m waiting for you.
I hope you’ll join me to spend time and share life with me soon. The empty chair and my longing heart are waiting.
Love, God
I hadn’t seen the author of the letter till I had read all of it. I scrolled down slowly. The words touched me so and brought tears to my eyes. When I saw the words, “Love, God,” I was surprised. It all makes sense though. Wonderful thoughts that I really needed to hear. Thank you!
Thanks, Charla 🙂
This brought me to tears but I love it! It reminds us that it’s not just us longing for God but that He longs for us as well. It’s a reminder that no matter what, the creator of the universe wants us! I feel so inspired at the moment! Thank you and blessings xx
Thanks for your comment. Enjoy your time with God today!
Beautiful Reminder! Thank You!
Many of days it seems I go searching for someone to listen to what I have t share and have it valued as a gift from me to them. I have words and stories to share that I long to impart to other woman the feel like there is no hope and other way through life other than suffering. My life’s journey has been a journey of persevering and trusting in something (Jesus) greater then I am in situations that seem to have no ending then pain and suffering. May I share an example?
I had just returned to my duty station in Germany from a three month tour in Kuwait fighting in Operation Desert Storm. Now I was due to return stateside and was all packed and everything shipped and just celebrating my completion of my four year tour overseas when as I was headed back to my barracks room I was gang raped by four masked men at gun point.
After years and years as a young child and teenager trying to understand why everyone in my family roots had vanished (neglected, rejected, abused, accused of false accusations and living in group homes till I was 18) I had finally thought I was well n my way to a better adult life then I had as a child and teenager. Yet here I was faced with another horrific experience of being raped. I yelled out to God and asked WHY ME? What have I done to deserve all these horrific experiences? What is it about me? Do you love me? Nobody else does? I was on a rampage.
Four months later I learned I was pregnant? I did not report the rape because I was more then scared, more then terrified, and scared that I would be discharged from the military knowing there was no place for me to go to if I did not remain in the military where all my basic needs were being met. I was in no way ready to be a Mom, I was not wanting to be a parent. So I denied my pregnancy up till the day I gave birth to a child I had no way prepared for. No name, no baby clothes, no place to stay because if I had told my chain of command I would have to be out of the barracks …
I gave birth to a baby girl … Now what am I going to do I asked my self silently over and over and over again. A small still voice I heard within … You are going to keep this little one and you are going to raise her. I questioned God how I am going to do this when I did not want a child and I was not even prepared to be a Mother … After a few days I named her Courtney Marie, after seven weeks of being on life support given a 15% chance of surviving she was discharged and I brought her home. At this point I sat in a corner of my temporary home and pleaded with God that if I keep this child HE would have to help me and provide for us because there was no other way I could have imagined me ever being a successful single Mom. At 18 months old I learned she was deaf which seemed to ratchet the challenge of being a Mother a bit more.
Here I am 18 years later. My Daughter turned 18 on June 7th, My Daughter graduated High School on June 9th and on August 19 she will be going to Rochester New York to start her College years at Rochester Institute of Technology all expenses paid.
Allow me to briefly share that I give GOD all the glory and praise as it was through his promise to me in the mist of hell that his voice spoke to me and said “Trust Me” I will NOT leave you nor forsake you even though your Mother and Father have.
God met our every need these last 18 years. He provided a stable financial income as I was blessed with an Honorable Discharge that eventually was turned into a Medical Retirement. Allowing me to be a stay home Mom with my focus and attention being on just raising my Daughter.
God walked beside me every step of the way .. Such a blessing being able to walk out my brokenness under His Blessing. I have a story to share and I want others to hear not because I want to boast. But I want to inspire, offer hope and understanding for those that may see no hope or no other way. My journey has been through faith trust and spirit.
I praise God that there is an Empty Chair across from Him and he wants to listen to me. Will any of you sit in that chair and listen to the small still voice?
Be Blessed Always
Barbarie
Thank you. I know God will continue to bless your reliance on him…as well as your willingness to share to encourage others!