As I unlocked the door to my home, I thought back over my day and how incredibly, undeniably WEARY I was. The only thing I wanted to do when I got inside was change out of my work clothes, put on my pajamas and plop down in my recliner. The door finally opened-the lock always sticks- and I entered my house, my mind still on everything that had happened that day. Work had sucked- it usually did- and my back ached. Working for eight hours straight is no picnic, let me tell you. I froze when I heard…noises. It sounded like someone was washing the dishes? What the…
It was then that I saw HIM, elbows deep in dirty dishwater, washing the pile of week- old plates and cups. I couldn't believe it. Could not believe it. What in the heck was He doing in my house? Why was He here? Not that I wasn't glad to see Him, of course. No, I was thrilled He was in my house. He should not have been doing my dirty dishes, though! That was low, dirty work. Not fit for Him. I feel I should have said something inspiring, or somehow witty, but all that came out was, "What are you doing?"
He looked at me and smiled. He has a cute smile, I hope you know that. "I should think that was obvious. I'm cleaning your dishes. Which," He continued despite my gaping, "you should not leave for so long. This stuff-" He held up a crusty pan- "is positively caked on here."
I must admit that I was speechless. Here He was, in MY HOUSE of all places, and He was telling me I needed to do my dishes more often. It was surreal, to say the least.
"I'm really glad you're here and all, of course. But may I ask- why here? Why me? I'm sure there are many, many more people who deserve a visit from you more than I." I didn't want Him to leave, but I wanted to be honest with Him and give Him the choice to leave. I loved Him that much…
He stopped what He was washing and calmly dried His hands on a towel. Then He turned to me, taking each side of my face gently in His hands, forcing me to look into His eyes. "Beloved, I love you and am pleased to be here in your home. I could have gone to anyone else, true, but I came to you because you mean more to me than anything in this world. I came here not to be served, but to serve. I also think you needed a lift after your difficult day today, hm?" He let go of my face, gently stroked my hair, and pulled me into a hug. I clung to Him, fearing this might be a dream that I might wake up from and I didn't want it to end. "Jesus," I whispered, my voice thick with tears. Before I could utter anything else, He was gone. I blinked slowly, unable to believe what had just happened. I went into my living room and collapsed on my couch- my feet really did hurt, despite that little encounter. I put my head in my hands and wondered if I had imagined the whole thing. Yes, that must have been it.
Or so I thought.
TBC