For my birthday my husband and sister gave me a most memorable gift, a visit to Germany to see my family – all by myself. I can’t recall a time in my married life I have traveled alone for an extended trip.
My sister and I planned the visit shortly after Christmas. Since my birthday is one day after my other, little sister’s birthday, we thought it would be the perfect time to surprise her. We kept this trip a secret – from everyone!
A few weeks ago, when we were on the phone planning how to unveil the surprise, we were getting giddy, tried to imagine mom and dad’s face and how the rest of the family would react. We dreamed about it together and called each other several more times to share the excitement. I began to question if it was worth having my family forfeit this feeling of joy and anticipation. Was the joy in the surprise as wonderful as the joy in the anticipation? We stuck to the plan and didn’t tell a soul.
When the day came, we had butterflies and couldn’t stop smiling. My sister had arranged a brunch for my little sister’s special day at my mom and dad’s. When everyone was seated and they were passing the food around, my sister quietly texted me.
When I walked in, the faces all over the room turned slowly from befuddled to smiles and laughter. My mom and dad, my nieces, brothers-in-law and of course my little sister were overjoyed. At first people were unable to comprehend but then we hugged and cried together. The surprise was a success.
This morning, while looking at a German sunrise from my desk by a window, I still am basking in this feeling of joy. I wonder if Jesus is anticipating our arrival in Heaven. I wonder if the table is already set and if He is gathering a few more things, making it special for us. I wonder if He can’t wait to be seated with us to enjoy our company.
Jesus, our Redeemer and Friend, our Savior and Brother, our King and Lord, will one day gather His Bride, those who love Him and have trusted Him. We must not keep Him a secret though. We must tell others of His great love for us. We must share His kindness and tender care, His goodness and that He came to die for our sins so we can be with Him.
I can truly image the joy I will experience when someone who’s heart turned to Christ because I obeyed the Spirit and spoke, will tap me on the shoulders at that feast and say, “I am here!”
“Go therefore to the main roads and
invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.”
Matthew 22:9
“Lord, make me bold. Help me to speak about you, not for my sake, but for the sake of someone’s eternal destiny and for the sake of Jesus Christ.”
Heidi Viars 
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