2 Peter 3:11-13
Since everything here today might
well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy
life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies
will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we’ll hardly
notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new
heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
Given all that has happened
in our family in the last three months, Greg and I felt it was urgent
that we “get our house in order.” We updated our important documents,
cleaned out files and closets…and we even pre-planned our funerals.
Several people thought this was rather morbid - and even “rushing
things.” But after the sudden deaths of Greg’s brother and my mother –
both relatively young by our standards – we saw once again how quickly
things can change. As this scripture puts it, everything here might
very well be gone tomorrow.
The “upside” of doing all of this
preparation is that we can now move forward with confidence that things
are in some semblance of order…that we are not leaving a mess for our
friends and relatives – or burdening them unnecessarily with questions
and decisions about how we would wish for things to be handled.
We
can also focus on other things that are more enjoyable. We can spend
our days serving God and loving others…expectantly waiting for Him to
show up and show out! There will still be bumps in the road…and details
to “tweak” from time to time…but now we are free to focus on our
earthly mission – and our heavenly destination. And both look pretty
promising right at the moment.
I am reminded of the 4th grader
who told me yesterday that he would not trade places with anyone,
because, “My life is not perfect…there are problems…but it’s what I’ve
been given, and it’s pretty great. I am happy with who I am and what
I’ve got.” I’m with him 100%. I wish I had been that content when I
was ten! Yes, this is an amazing kid. He has everything pretty well
figured out...and I pray that this level of contentment and purpose
continues in his life.
The thing is…we can be just like him!
We can find our purpose, “get our ducks in a row,” and serve God with
determination, dedication – and great hope for our future in heaven!
What is required is often just a shift in attitude…and a determination
to draw nearer to God and pay closer attention to His will for our
lives. There is no better time than this Holy Week to make such a
commitment. Won’t you join me in pledging to focus more on heaven and
God’s plan for us until it is time for us to join Him there? Will you
redouble your efforts to keep your eyes and ears open…to worry less and
serve God more…and to share the joy of this Eternal hope with others
each and every day? I’m ready to get started…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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