Have you been on vacation this year? Most people take an annual vacation and often more than one. Some people have a favorite spot to visit each year while others enjoy seeing new places. Me, I like both. Seeing new places is great. The sights, experiences, and tastes of somewhere I have never before been is an exciting adventure. A new treasure could be awaiting me there.
My favorite getaway is a cabin high in the Smokey Mountains with my family for the week. I could handle that vacation at least once a year and probably more. The majesty of God’s beautiful mountains take my breath away each time we drive to Gatlinburg. Like a child I become excited when I see a chipmunk, raccoon, or bear off of the cabin’s deck while having coffee in the morning.
After vacation, there’s no place like home
Vacation, an extended period of recreation spent away from home or in traveling, is nice for a time, but after it is over it is nice to be home. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz emotionally repeats “there’s no place like home” and I agree. No matter how good vacation has been, we are always happy to be home when it is over.
My maternal grandmother often would tell me “you know, this old world is not our home.” That was confusing to a child, but the older I got the more she explained. Finally I understood. Mammaw was talking about Heaven. She would tell me her soul longed for “home” and to be with loved ones there. When she spoke of Heaven it was beautiful and biblical.
“In Heaven there will be no sickness or pain, no tears, and affliction. We will be whole with perfect bodies.” She would laugh when I asked what we would do all day for eternity. “Probably the same things we do now only better” she would brightly say and break out in song “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue….”
What about you? Do you ever feel like you are waiting to go home? This world, like a vacation, is nice for a while, but your heart is yearning for someplace better. It is homesick. I know I am. Vacations are wonderful. This world is a nice place, too, but Heaven is our home. Our Father is there. Jesus is there. Our family should be, too. We have a home there.
Gather your treasures and pack for your trip home. What will you take? There aren’t a lot of things allowed. The main thing on your list should be loved ones. Make sure you have shared Jesus and His salvation with your family and friends. You will want to see them after your vacation or theirs.
“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2-3
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 