I
am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is
at hand. 2 Timothy 4:6
Because I have traveled widely in my ministry, I've had to spend a lot of time away from
home. Although some hotels promise to make me "feel at home," few of them
achieve it. In fact, some make me wish fervently that I was at home!
During his final days on earth, the apostle Paul had a deep longing for his heavenly home.
His thoughts turned toward the warm welcome he would receive from the Lord, "the
righteous Judge" (2 Timothy 4:8). Although he was facing death, thoughts of heaven
kept his spirit hopeful.
This reminds me of an old man and his grandson who were sitting on a dock late one
afternoon. The two chatted about everything, it seemedwhy water is wet, why seasons
change, why girls hate worms, what life is like. Finally the boy looked up and asked,
"Grandpa, does anybody ever see God?" "Son," said the old man as he
looked across the still waters of the lake, "it's getting so now I hardly see
anything else."
Aging should be like that. Praying should come more easily. Communion with the Father in
heaven should be as natural as breathing. Thoughts of seeing Jesus and going home should
increasingly occupy our minds. That's how we'll know we're ready to go home.
-HWR
When, by the gift of His infinite grace,
I am accorded in heaven a place,
Just to be there and to look on His face
Will through the ages be glory for me.
-Gabriel
As life's shadows lengthen, thoughts of God should deepen.