Preparing a place

Richard's parents are coming to visit.  The last time they stayed with us was 10 years ago when we were living in Cyprus.  I had just given birth to Audra (via C-section) a few days before.   I remember the night Richard went to pick them up at the airport.  Our friend Steve dropped by and washed our dishes.  That may or may not have been the only clean place in the house since I had just spent 8 days in the hospital.  This time I don't have a newborn to distract me so I have no excuse to not be prepared.  This has involved the usual cleaning tasks and some not-so-usual ones like taking down Audra's bed and moving it to the guest room, organizing the tupperware, and ironing the sheets.  The kitchen is stocked with their favorite drink and meals are in the freezer so we can spend more time having fun and less time in the kitchen.  The rabbit and hamster cages have fresh bedding.  The front walkway is swept.  We are as ready as we are going to get.  All that preparation got me thinking about the place Jesus is preparing for us.  I wonder what it will look like.  As nice as our home is on this earth, it cannot compare to what is in store for us.  So if you come see us, I will prepare a place for you.  It will be a symbol of what's to come...

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)