We have been counting down the days until our grandson, Hudson, comes to visit.  Yes, our daughter and son-in-law are coming, too, but Hud Bud is going to be the main event in our house for a whole week in May!  We’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day, two family birthdays and Hud’s dedication all in one swoop.  I can’t wait to get my arms around that little guy and take a deep whiff of his sweet baby scent (I hope!).  Even though Katie sends us pictures and videos every week and we Skype regularly, there’s just nothing like the real thing.  Besides, I’m not sure what Hudson actually sees when he looks at the computer screen of two grinning grandparents.  I’m not sure he’s going to really get to know us that way, or understand the depth of our love for him.

   God communicated with His people long-distance throughout the Old Testament.  He created a covenant that established a relationship, He sent prophets to speak for Him, He put into motion beautiful stories that illustrated His love.  “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son” (Gal. 4:4) because there’s nothing like the real thing.  He couldn’t wait any longer to get His arms around His people.  So the Word became flesh and we had a chance to see up-close the depth of His love for us. 

   When Hudson comes to Nonnie and Poppa O’s house, he won’t have to work for his room and board; he won’t have a list of dos and don’ts to follow; he won’t even be expected to do anything.  We just want to love the little man to pieces.

Like we’ve been loved to pieces by our Father.  And loved to death by our Savior.