There’s No Place I’d Rather Be

It was Christmas Eve 1999. The whole family was all in one place. I was nestled under layers of red and green flannel sheets and surrounded by the soft glow of white Christmas lights on the mini-tree in my bedroom. Snowflakes bounced off my window seal as I checked the clock again… gasp… only 11:00 p.m. I tossed and turned all night in anticipation of Christmas morning. I finally drifted off into a deep sleep as I dreamed of the North Pole, Santa’s snowy sleigh ride, and what surprises he may be leaving me under the Christmas tree.

At 5 o’clock sharp, an enthusiastic jolt from my little brother and shouts of, “IT’S CHRISTMAS, IT’S CHRISTMAS!” made for a fabulous alarm clock. I leaped out of bed, raced to my parent’s bedroom, and gave them the same delightful wakeup call while my brother and sister joyfully alerted our grandparents in the next room that Christmas morning was finally here! We all gathered in the hallway as my granddaddy built a fire in the living room and my grandmother prepared a pot of coffee. We eagerly waited down the hallway as our parents teased us from the living room with “oohs and aahs!” “Now can we see?!” We exclaimed. “Not yet, but almost!” They continued to prepare the room for our arrival. We giggled and leaped with glee until, finally, we heard the phrase we had been waiting for, “It’s time!”

As we entered into the room, I will never forget the sense of awe and wonder that overwhelmed the nine-year-old me. The warmth, the gifts, and the joy that filled the room were truly beyond what I could fathom. The glowing expressions on my parent’s and grandparent’s faces will forever be ingrained in my heart. In that moment, I was at peace, my heart was overwhelmed with thanksgiving, and there was no place I’d rather be.

Brothers and sisters, the day is drawing near when we will stand before the Savior of our souls and gaze upon His radiant beauty as our hearts are filled with complete awe and wonder. We will exchange the trials and tribulations of our past for infinite joy. There will be no more tears or pain, only thanksgiving and praise. As our Father prepares a place for us, may we prayerfully and expectantly wait for the moment He says, “It’s time!”

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3

Lord, I long for the day where there is no more sin, sickness, and suffering. I pray you would help me to keep my eyes fixed on you as I wait for your return. You alone are my hope and salvation and you alone are worthy of all my praise. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• Camea McDaniel grew up in Brandon, MS, attended Brandon High School, and graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in Communications.
• Camea is passionate about reaching people for the kingdom of Christ and utilizing social media & marketing to do so.
• She is the Founder and Owner of Good Shepherd, a marketing and booking agency that offers marketing, booking, consulting, social media management, branding, content creation, and design for businesses, authors, concert artists, churches, and ministries all over the country.