(originally written April 11, 2011)
I’ve been trying to explain something to Isaac this week. He refuses to believe me. We have a repeating conversation, but no matter what I do, he will not be distracted from his core belief. Isaac is unable to grasp this very important concept : It is not Christmas at Nanny’s all year long.
For some reason over the past week, Isaac was a bit homesick for my mom and dad’s place in Grand Rapids. He’d say to me, “Can’t we just take a ride to Gran Rabbits (because that’s what my kids call it…) and go sledding at Nanny’s house?” or “Mommy, at Nanny’s house there is always chocolate cake!” or “Mommy, but if we go to Papa’s house he will bowl on the wii and beat Nanny and I will get presents and…” it seems to go on and on…
He knows a place. and in his heart it doesn’t change. If only it really were always Christmas at Nanny’s. (although, I’m sure my mom and dad are relieved that there is not snow for sledding, now in April…)
Well, I’ve been a bit homesick for a place too this week. Current events in our city have drawn me to think about it a bit more and long to be there, with loved ones and friends who are already there, in that place where things are always as they should be. It’s free of death and disease. No dying. No tears. No sadness. Only beauty, in the light of our Savior’s love.
I haven’t actually been there, but I know about it…God’s word promises He has prepared it for all those who believe in Him. In fact, we can know that far above all earthly things, one thing is sure: Heaven.
1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 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. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (from John 14)
and from Hebrews 11…
14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
and the best of all (that’s just my opinion of course) from Revelation 21:
3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of Godis with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
What amazing promises from God’s Word. They are compelling, life giving and full of a robust hope. There is more… far more… and it will always be so in Heaven.
So, I ask you Heavenly Father, Can’t we just head on up to your place now? I hear its lovely all year round… I have sweet memories all tied up in dear ones who are already there. And even though I haven’t been there yet, it seems familiar… it seems like home.
daily portion 