During the last week of January, I had the opportunity to attend a workers’ meeting at the Thailand Mission. It was three days of getting to better know other missionaries, volunteers, teachers, pastors and the leaders of our church here in Thailand — each with the same goal of bringing Jesus to the people of this country. Because it was a long trip, I went alone.

The Christian presence here is small. Naturally, the Adventist presence is even smaller. There are not enough pastors and lay workers, so the challenge is immense. But for our three-day meeting, it was exciting to hear everyone’s will and dedication to God and to talk about His love and that Jesus will return soon. It was motivating.
Still, spending this time away from my family was hard — three days of programs and three days of traveling. I was calling and speaking with my wife and son multiple times a day. My son would always ask me when I would be back. The night before I arrived home, he was so excited that he could barely sleep.

As I stopped the car to open the front gate, he came running, screaming joyfully and giving me a long, tight hug when I stepped outside the vehicle.

“I’m so glad that you are here, Dad! I missed you so much. I’m very happy that you are home.”

I can’t describe the joy and love he showed me with that tight hug. At that moment, there was no more travel fatigue, sadness, stress or anything except the immense feeling of joy, love and peace that I was finally home.

In the days that followed, I caught myself thinking about this unique moment and became emotional thinking about Jesus’ Second Coming. I imagine God’s joy at seeing us will somehow be similar to what I saw in my son. I think that Jesus will come to us with a huge smile and immense joy, giving us a very tight hug and saying:
“I’m glad you are here! I missed you so much. This is your house. I’m very happy that you arrived home.”

I can’t hope for anything better.

I don’t think that eternity will be long enough to thank God for the unconditional love and mercy He has given us. I want to be there and enjoy eternal life by His side. I hope to meet you there one day.

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