After my first baby was born, I purchased two safety gates for our staircase. My husband installed one gate at the top of the stairs and one gate at the bottom. Those safety gates were a permanent fixture of our home for many years.
I often instructed my children to wait by the gate for me so we can all go downstairs together in the morning. Sometimes when they are really hungry (probably because they didn’t eat enough dinner) they get fussy before I was ready to go downstairs. One morning while hurriedly putting on my high waist leggings, brushing my teeth, and throwing my hair up into a ponytail, the kids began fussing furiously underfoot.
“Please let mommy finish getting ready. I’m almost done. Walk to the top gate and wait a minute,” I pleaded.
Of course the hungry toddlers didn’t heed my request. The baby wasn’t too happy either.
“Listen, please go wait by the gate, I’m almost ready.”
More tears and cries for breakfast ensued.
I finally shouted in a commanding, but loving mom voice:
“Go to the gate!”
In that moment I sensed the Lord speaking the very same words to me.
“Go to the gate,” He whispered to my weary heart.
It stopped me in my tracks, but only for a moment because my babies needed my full attention. I flung open the gate, settled everyone downstairs, and grabbed a carton of eggs from the fridge. The hustle and bustle of my day had begun, but I knew there was a word, a command, a message for me at the gate.
“Go to the gate,” the Holy Spirit gently reminded me at the end of the day.
I opened my Bible and began reading. After searching the scriptures, I came to the book of John.
“So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:7-10, ESV
The gate at the top of my staircase is a barrier for my children’s safety.
The spiritual gate is Jesus.
I believe that just as I keep repeating the direction for my children, he keeps pointing me to himself. Just like my hungry toddlers in the morning, when I’m hungry I must go to the gate.
Yes, when I am hungry and thirsty, he says, “Go to the gate.” When I am unsure of the next right step or the next destination for my life, Jesus says, “Go to the gate.” Jesus says, come all who are weary! Come as you are, friends.
“’Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’”
Matthew 11:28-30, ESV
When I tell my kids to go to the gate, it’s because I am preparing them to move to a new position. And Jesus always invites us to Himself, to learn His voice and know Him more, from the place we stand, to a deep down and personal level of relationship with Him. And it’s a standing invitation, friends.
The gates are long gone and my children are now making breakfast for themselves! Oh, how quickly time flies. But I will never forget that moment when God spoke so clearly, drawing me close to Himself. I am glad He interrupted me that morning. And I am so very glad I responded to His call. I point back to that moment as the beginning of a closer walk with Him.
There is a standing invitation from Jesus, friends. A standing invitation from our Good Shepherd. He invites us to go to the gate and find green pastures. That’s the beauty and loving-kindness of a Savior who cares so much that he would speak to you and I on a deeply personal level. I am so glad that His invitation is always open. Abundant life and green pastures await us when we simply, “Go to the gate.”
With Love,
Audra
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Have you made the switch yet?
The new school year brings thoughts of change. As schedules shift, kids go back to class, new programs start, and summer fades to fall (unless you live in Florida), your mind may be set on new goals. Or, you might be inspired to create changes for your spiritual, mental, and emotional health.
Beautiful thoughts. I will remember when I read about the "gate", your gate of protection for your kids. Thanks
Janis
This is so uplifting for me and a right on time Word. I’m in sort of a trying place in my life where each day I’m hearing Father whispering “rest in Me, in my love, cast all your care on me because I’m taking good care of you.” Your words today are one of His reminding whispers!!! Thank you!! ❤️