Pack Your Bags

My oldest son and his lovely wife just left on a trip to Australia.  When I talked with him on the phone it was easy to tell that he was really anticipating the upcoming trip--there was a genuine excitement that came through in his voice loud and clear.

We need to have events in our lives that we look forward to, ones that fill us with aniticipation.  They seem to be able to influence us in positive ways as we live out our daily lives too--it's a little hard to describe, I just know that it can help us feel better.

As I thought about my son's trip, I began to think about our life in Jesus. . . .and sometimes we can get so distracted by the busyness of life that we lose sight of the fact that one day--maybe a day coming soon--we will be "packing our bags" for a trip of a lifetime!

Paul talks about his anticipation of seeing Jesus face to face in Philippians 1:22ff when he says: "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."  How many of us wouldn't want to jump on a plane to Florida when it is minus 30 degrees here?  It would be better by far to be in that place!  But really, think about what Paul is saying here: can you imagine what it will be like to be in a place where there is no more sin, no more pain, no more tears; where there is pure peace, pure joy, pure love in your heart! 

It is no "place" at all really--it is about being with a person, and that person is Jesus.  Paul was anticipating this journey and it was affecting how he was living while he was still here.  He wanted nothing more than for others to receive this same excitement and anticipation.

So do we live our Christian lives like we have our "bags packed"?  Do we live with anticipation of an exciting trip coming soon?  Do we allow that anticipation to bring joy to our daily lives? 

Lord, Paul didn't come to his conclusion about you on his own--it was revealed to him and it changed him forever.  Help us in the same way.  Oh, and by the way Lord would you help me find my suitcase?

BT