Emptiness

The Archibalds have a "secret room" in their house. A room that is shut off from the rest of the house - closed door and closed blinds. A room that stands empty of life. A room that has clothes that aren't worn. A room that has toys that aren't used, books that aren't read, and a bed that isn't slept in. This room is a reminder of the hope of what is to come, but now is too painful to see. This room remains empty.

Emptiness can be so painful. Emptiness can remind us of our hurt. Emptiness is a void in our heart. Emptiness....when can we be full again?

We opened the room last Saturday night. I even started looking at the pictures of Elijah and Ruth once again. We slept in our children's room, had a camp out. We filled that room with prayers and love that night. That room isn't empty anymore! That room is full of the Spirit who is waiting with us, praying with us and hoping with us. That room has life. No, the clothes aren't worn, the toys aren't being played with, the door and blinds still remain closed, the books aren't being read, and the bed isn't being used - but I am reminded as much as we want our children home, it isn't our children that will fill us.

This Sunday we will recognize the tomb which was once filled with Christ's broken body is now empty, for our Savior was raised for the dead! Emptiness shouldn't be a reminder of our pain, hurt or even a void in our heart but rather a reminder of the hope we have that Christ will be coming again. Our emptiness can only be filled by Christ - for us, not even Elijah and Ruthie.

Oh yes, we long to hold our children once again. I would lie to you if I told you I haven't cried over them, or pleaded to God that they could come home. But we remain with the hope and excitement that our God once came to this earth, nailed our sins to the cross with Him, and was buried and then rose from the grave. Our God lives and because He lives...my emptiness is NO MORE!!!!