Calling Home

Can I make a confession to you?

I don't call my parents enough. Not nearly as much as I should. As a mom of 4 young kids and a participant in multiple business ventures, my days often feel like they are ending before I realize they had begun. I don't usually stop to make time for that call, even if it could be a short catch-up or just to say, "Hey, I love you! Okay, gotta go. Bye!"

Maybe I convince myself I don’t need to dial the number because their voices are already so deeply rooted in me. I can hear them when I'm parenting my own children, as I plan life's goals and dreams with my husband, or while making decisions about how to handle life's hustle and bustle. 

But what I often forget is that hearing their voice in my head isn't the same as hearing it on the line.

Let me tell you about a call I actually made this week...

Recently at a church group, I randomly reconnected with an old friend and soccer teammate. This friend was someone my dad had developed a relationship with as well, and I was so excited to tell him about this meeting of fate.

Immediately after leaving the group that day, I decided to call him to share the exciting news, and he picked up rather quickly.

"Hey, do you have a couple minutes for a quick story?" I said.

"Sure!" he answered.

I went on to tell my story, reminding him of memories we had with this person and the wonderful surprise it was to have reconnected again, almost 20 years later. We chatted for a few more minutes, and then he said,

"Okay, well, I stepped out of a meeting quick to answer, so I'm going to have to run. I was just so excited to see you called!"

I quickly apologized and hung up, but I couldn't stop smiling.

He had agreed to hear my story. He said he had time, even when he was clearly in the middle of a room full of other responsibilities. He didn't just answer. He chose to listen.

It got me thinking...

If my dad—bound by schedules, meetings, and the limits of time—would go running from a room to take my call...

What then would my Father in Heaven do when I call out to Him in prayer?

My dad shared in my joy and excitement for a matter that very much could have waited another few hours, or even days. He was happy to just hear from me. He took in every word.

When we place a call to Heaven, no matter how long it has been, I wonder how God comes running to answer. I picture Him running to the ringing line, picking up excitedly on the first ring. Every time. And He eagerly listens, without interrupting, without hurrying us to the end of whatever it is we called to say.

Oftentimes, many of us can report feeling God's push or tug as we go throughout our day, especially if we have spent time in scripture. It's that voice that we hear guiding us, like the voice of my mom and dad that I hear daily, nudging me as I make my decisions and choices.

But how much joy does it bring God when his precious child calls Home?

We often think prayer requires a quiet room and folded hands. But for me, the connection is loudest when I'm moving. As we embark on our Lenten journey this week, we have the opportunity to spend more time in prayer than perhaps we ever have before. I find workouts to be some of the best conversations with God I’ve ever had. It’s a time when I am physically humbled enough to be spiritually open. It's where the noise of the 'hustle' fades and the line to Home finally feels clear.

Regardless of what you choose to share in prayer—even if it’s just a "Hey, I love you. Okay, gotta go. Bye!"—let this be your invitation to pray for few extra minutes this week.

Our Heavenly Father is looking at the screen. Your name is on the Caller ID. And He is already running to take the call.