No place like home...

Its dark outside as he finally makes his way to his car. A long day of work followed by a meeting has drained him and left him wanting to be home. As he drives out of the parking lot he turns his thoughts to his family...wondering what they are doing at this late hour.

There are no laughing, excited children to greet him at the door tonight. The lights are off...the kitchen is closed for the evening. Baths have been finished and devotions are read...the kids are snuggled deep in their beds. But still there is a quiet noise trickling down the stairs and he follows the sound to his youngest child's room. Although the baby is struggling with a stuffy nose and a wheezy cough...he is keeping a running chant of his most favorite new word...and that is what greets this most beloved Daddy after a long day of work....

"Da-da-da-da-da..."

When the object of this chant peeks his head over the crib...the most beautiful smile stops all time and sound. Love has washed away all feelings of weariness...and a deep sense of belonging settles him in for the night. There truly is...no place like home!