I’ve mentioned before that I sing myself to sleep almost every night with Christian songs of all types. I’ve noticed the older I get the more the songs focus on heaven. I wonder why that is? There is a song that I just came across that may give us the answer. “Everybody dreams of going home it seems; lately I’m no excepon to the rule. But home is so much more than windows, walls and doors; it’s a warm embrace and smiling faces awaiting you. Home, where there is no night. Home, where the Son is the light; the place I’ve been dreaming of so long. Loved ones there to welcome me, but His sweet face will be the first I see. When my journey’s over I am going home.”
As the writer of Hebrews puts it, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14) We are traveling through this world on a mission. We are here to let the light of God’s love, mercy and grace shine through us onto all of those around us. In a very real sense, every Christian is on a missionary journey bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our little part of the world. We don’t have to preach; just show others the love and grace God has shown us by simply sharing our blessings, our love and our personal story of what a relationship with God has meant in our life. Every story is different, but they are all very powerful.
I’ve written before that my first real test as a young Christian was the loss of my mother when I was only 14. The young pastor who water baptized my mother and me took me aside at her funeral and assured me that I will be with her again someday. Many years later, when my father died, I was a married man who felt like an orphan. Then the biggest loss of all occurred when my wife of fifty years went on home ahead of me. The only thing that has gotten me through those separations is the knowledge that where they are I will be also someday. As a Christian, I have God’s promise that whether my journey ends tomorrow or after my 100th birthday, my permanent home is prepared and waiting for me. My mind cannot comprehend a life without that hope.
Maybe you have a Christian grandparent, parent or even your spouse who has reached or is nearing the end of their journey. Take heart in the knowledge that they are going home to be with their Lord and the friends and relatives who are waiting to welcome them. Then, without the pains and limitations of this life, they will join your welcoming party someday. You will come home to a celebration at the end of your journey like nothing you have experienced or even dreamed of here on earth. I look forward to embracing my wife and my parents again; but even more important to me will be embracing and thanking the One who died for my sins and went ahead to prepare a place for me in His presence forever.