Empty Chairs

Today is the 9th consecutive day of coming home to an empty house. It hasn't been too awfully bad, probably because I'm always at work and never at home. But it is terribly quite in this huge house. I get home late and tired and the kitchen serves as a daily reminder of my mom's cooking. The empty chairs around the table echo of laughter and fellowship; and the basement seems void of the loud football games that my dad and I enjoyed together. My little dog sits and looks at me while I recount the events of my day, but she just isn't the same as family.

The meaning and purpose of the family has become more dear to me of late. There is a certain sense of security; of knowing that someone will always be there for you and you'll never be completely on your own. There is a need to depend to trust, a need for a relationship. As a song once sung stated:

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Someone to care for; to be there for. Someone to do for; muddle through for. Someone to share joy or despair with; whichever betides you. Life becomes a chore, unless you're living for someone to tend to be a friend to. Someone to strive for, do or die for.

~Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

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An empty and quite house is difficult for the person who is reliant on the security of family. But, I'm also aware that this time in my life has been graciously afford to me by my Lord. He will use it to strengthen my trust in Him. To show me that He will provide for my needs - all my needs. The absence of family does not mean the absence of security, but simply the opportunity to rely on the One that has everything in the palms of His hands.

"Do not fear, O Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, O Israel. I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid."
Jeremiah 46:27