Coming Home

Today is a day that we have longed for and prayed for this past year. Today, my son, Andy will return from a year in Iraq. He is a 1st Lt. in the Tennessee National Guard. He is with the 913th Engineering Company from Union City, Tennessee. And they are coming home today. As I write this they are scheduled to be flying to somewhere in Europe and then later tonight land in Indianapolis. They will go through some processing at Camp Atterbury and then be released to be bused back to Tennessee.

What a glorious day. What a wonderful day. The day my child comes home. I wonder if this is what God feels when one of his comes home? I wonder if a tear comes to his eye as he anxiously awaits his child that has been in harm's way, is now coming home? I believe he is anxious, anticipating, longing and excited. That is what fathers do when their children come home.

I am proud of him. He has served. He has seen death, unfortunately. He has endured. He has been faithful to his mission. What more could you ask of your son? I am reminded of one of my favorite hymns:

"Come home, come home, ye who are weary come home. Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling, O sinner, come home. Come home Andy. We have open arms that need to be filled. Our prayers have been answered. We are proud. Thank you God.

Sid