Traveling brings a broad smile to my husband’s face. I’ve always been more of a homebody, but his enthusiasm for a new adventure is highly contagious. Months of anticipation and planning culminate in exploring new and exciting territory and taking in wondrous sights.
Over the next six months, we will traverse dry deserts and deep canyons, behold snow-dusted mountains and tall waterfalls, and sail across turquoise oceans to explore ancient ruins. Though eager for the destination, I find the preparation a bit overwhelming. There are reservations to make and packing lists to compile. We must stay healthy and fit for cobblestone paths and mountain trails. The best part is coordinating our plans with those traveling with us. My goal is to keep my eyes on the destination so I’m not discouraged by all the details.
Keeping our eyes on our heavenly destination does the same thing. When we feel overwhelmed by evil in the world, the turbulence in our personal lives, and all the details, Satan grins. It’s easy to lose sight of where we’re headed. However, focusing on Heaven renews our joy and brings a smile to our faces. The Passion Translation reframes Paul’s words in a way that resonates with me: “Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm. Your crucifixion with Christ has severed the tie to this life, and now your true life is hidden away in God in Christ.” (Colossians 3:2-3 TPT)
In his book “Heaven,” Randy Alcorn wrote, “We cannot anticipate or desire what we cannot imagine.” The treasures I imagine in the heavenly realm certainly include all those who’ve gone before me, but my greatest treasure will be seeing Jesus face-to-face. In my mind, I’ve seen Jesus, felt His touch, and lingered in His presence. Yet to experience Him in Heaven will be too incredible for words.
Assured that our faith has confirmed our reservation, we keep our hearts healthy by expressing gratitude, studying the Word, and renewing our minds. This helps us stay fit for the daily grind of our current location. Coordinating our plans with those traveling with us keeps us all on track. Most importantly, we keep our enthusiasm for our destination on display so others will want to make their own reservation. Our diligent planning will ultimately culminate in exploring new territory and taking in wondrous sights.
Maybe you’ve heard Phil Wickham’s song, “Homesick for Heaven,” and share his same desire,
“I wanna walk with Moses on streets of gold
And dance with David before Your throne
To thank You face to face for the grace You’ve given.
I wanna see my children run into Your arms
And worship the Savior who wears my scars.
There’s an ache in my heart
I’m homesick for Heaven!
To see the ones I love, who’ve gone before
When death is a memory and tears are no more
To hear the angels praise, can you even imagine?”
Jesus may or may not be loading the bus today to take us all home – but He might! And I’m ready for Something New! How about you?
“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’” (Revelation 21:3-4 NLT)
