I'll Be Back

  

I just left the International terminal in Atlanta on a rainy Monday afternoon. My 19-year-old son, Gaven, was flying out for his second U.S. Embassy post. It was seven months and two weeks before he could come home from his first post. We’re standing just outside of the security entrance creating small talk, looking all around at the now familiar environment preceding the necessary air travel. The usual constant ambience in this setting of voices in conversation, airport announcements, and luggage wheels humming to the smooth portions and clattering to the imperfect portions of the floor are currently muffled because my focus is solely on him. The anxious feeling of dread has set in for the upcoming question I must ask. I fight every emotion I’m feeling and withhold tears from forming and voice from shaking as I square up to face this 6’1” U.S. Marine Lance Corporal, Gaven Wright. Looking into his steady, beautiful blue eyes, I only see my son. “Are you ready?” is how I began the painful process of the next few moments. 

It’s amazing how every instance of his life that I was capable of committing to memory flooded my mind, from the first time he was in my arms to standing before me now. Though there was some resistance in his heart, he answered, “Yes sir,” without hesitation. I dug deeper and said, “You know where you have to go and what you have to do. Let’s get this assignment done.” I wrapped my arms around him, squeezed tightly, and said, “I love you, son, and I am forever proud of you.”  He replied with matching love and made a few steps toward the security entrance. He paused, shoulders back, standing tall, turned his head towards my mom and me, and said, “I’ll be back.” I could only grin and nod if I was to maintain control of my emotions as he turned to walk away. Once out of sight, those emotions took over. And they lasted for the remainder of the day. 

On the drive home, I began to think about what had just transpired between a father and a son. I don’t want him to leave his home. I don’t want him to be away at this post for a year or more. I don’t want him in danger. However, I do want him to fulfill his purpose and complete his mission in serving others by serving this country as a U.S. Marine. And that requires sacrifice.

There was a much greater mission required for all humanity. Perhaps in this moment, the constant grandeur of Heaven’s worship orchestra was muffled in the perfect hearing of God the Father as He chose to focus on His Son. Since the beginning of all beginning, Jesus was with Him. Heaven, together. Universe, together.  Creation, together. Image, together. Because of man’s sin, separation was inevitable. God would now implement His perfect plan of salvation. In that, He addressed the one deemed King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Yet, when He looked into those incomparable, eternal, piercing, beautiful eyes, He saw His Son. God the Father knew His Son would carry an unbearable weight, face an unacceptable state, and endure an unthinkable fate. He would be persecuted, tortured, and executed most horrendously. 

The voice that penetrates existence speaks, “It’s time. Are you ready?” Jesus would rise as others would bow. “Yes, Father,” he replies without hesitation. “You know the depth of love for our creation and the necessary redemptive mission, my Son. Get it done.” No doubt the Father expressed his love to Him. We would later hear on earth, when Jesus would begin His ministry leading to completion of salvation’s plan, God audibly express, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”(Matt 3:17) In perhaps somewhat of a one and only more hushed moment in Heaven, Jesus turns his head to the fully engaged audience and says, “I’ll be back.”

I am extremely thankful for my son’s sacrifice to separate himself from us. But, I am eternally grateful for The Son being the ultimate sacrifice to reconciliate us to Himself. I already long for Gaven to return. As Christ followers, we long fo the return of our Savior with all power and glory because of the same promise he made to us, “I’ll be back.”