Coming HOME

As a new bride in the late 70s, I shocked my husband and myself the first long trip we took together. After packing to visit family in Maine, before departing our apartment in Toledo, Ohio, I insisted we take time to vacuum the living room carpet. “Really?” my husband asked incredulous. “Is this so if burglars break in, they’ll find a clean house?”

“No,” I answered with a bit of a huff, though the thought did appeal to me. “I just want to come home without chores staring me in the face.”

And so, for nearly four decades, whenever we leave our home overnight it is worth it to me to have things in place and in order. The pay-off is when we open the door on our return and my spirit sighs with delight: “Yes, this is home and I’m comfortable!”

How about you? Do you feel the same way?

Recently we returned from seeing our children and grands, an enjoyable but tiring trip. After thirteen long hours in the car, what a pleasure to unlock the front door and feel instantly happy to be home. The sensation was so strong as I surveyed the clean counters, vacuumed rugs and welcoming bathroom, that I began to think about what it will feel like to enter Heaven. If momentary comfort in this temporary life is so pleasurable, how much more glorious will the sensation be when I first see my eternal home?

The scriptures say: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9. And, “ ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.’ And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’" Revelation 21:4

Heaven knows life on this earth is full of pain. Yet redemption and faithfulness bring true purpose to our days. Indeed, God in His sovereignty uses trials, challenges and suffering to draw us to Himself and make us more like His Son. He has promised those who trust in Christ that death is not the end of life! For the fullness of eternal life unfolds when we’re promoted into His presence, stepping from this world of sin and decay, into one of true harmony, peace and joy…the Hope of glory.

I’ve heard it said that death for a Christian who walks closely with God, is like taking a stroll with Him one day and hearing Him say, “You know, right now we’re closer to my house than yours, why don’t you come on over.”

I like that. When it’s my time to come home, I can only imagine the joy I’ll feel.

How about you?