By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
I love going on vacation, but as the week winds down, I’m usually ready to go back home. Don’t get me wrong, I always have a fantastic time vacationing with my family. There are always plenty wonderful memories, pictures, and souvenirs to bring home, but at some point, I grow restless. My back hurts from sleeping in a different bed, and the hotel room is not equipped with all the conveniences of home. I look forward to home cooked meals, fresh clothes, and a normal routine. On top of that, I miss my family and friends. As the saying goes, there’s no place like home.
In the same way that we look forward to going back home from vacation, deep within our souls, we long for our eternal home in heaven. Earth isn’t our home. For this reason we have restless hearts and cannot find complete peace or satisfaction in the things of this world. The closest we can come to experiencing complete peace here on earth is through the indwelling Spirit of God.
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)
I believe God gives us little daily reminders that earth is not our home. Scripture tells us there will be no more pain or suffering in heaven, so physical and emotional afflictions are reminders that we aren’t home yet. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
The newness of spring following the death of winter reminds us that one day God will make all things new. “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:5a)
God gives us little glimpses of heaven here on earth. It is a foretaste of what’s to come. Every time we see a beautiful sunrise shimmering on the deep blue ocean or the piercing sunlight pouring through trees, magnifying the glorious hues of autumn, we are given a foretaste of heaven. When we hear the melodious sounds emanating from a symphony orchestra, our soul shouts that we are made for so much more. As glorious as these moments appear, they pale in comparison to the hope of heaven that is yet to come.
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:24-25)
Don’t get too comfortable. We’re not home yet!
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-4)
