Jo (my wife) likes to watch the Hallmark channel during Christmas season. She loves the Christmas movies. They are predictable. They are “romantic.” They are also feel-good because they always end well. Their basic premise is “no matter how much the struggle for 1:45, in the end (the last 10-15 minutes) all will turn out well.” And yes, she takes some ribbing from me. 🙂 🙂
That is what I need to keep in mind in my daily walk. There is no question it will be filled with struggles. Valleys. Peaks. Ups. Downs. Gravel roads. Pitted roads. Rutted roads. New asphalt, smooth roads. Dodging potholes. Encountering and being swallowed up by potholes. Exhaustion. Exhilaration. That’s life. And that’s life as a Christ-follower.
Its an uncomfortable preparation for a comfortable destination.
There is no doubt I will face hardship of some sort. Little. Medium. Big. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. But for sure S.O.M.E.D.A.Y. I need to remind myself that this is only temporary. This earth is only temporary; it is not my destination. When I played ball; when I work out; when I cycle, there was/is pain. But I put up with the pain in order to win the game, to feel good, or to complete the miles. All for the satisfaction of “arrival.”
“Father, heaven is my ‘arrival’ place. This is preparation for what’s to come. Help me endure the practice- the training- in order to receive the ultimate prize at the ultimate destination.”
I’m with Jo when it comes to those “feel good” movies, even the ones (or maybe especially) that move me to tears. Yes, same formula, but you have put it in great perspective for our journey in this life, Bill. We know we all will one day see a happy ending.
Blessings!
I tease her about the movies but they are feel good and many people need those kind today.
Life can certainly be difficult. The struggles can certainly be real. The pain, discouragement, anger, frustration, sorrow, the loss, the heartaches… Emotions that can reveal when I have been cut deep.
Unlike a Hallmark movie… it will be more than just the last few minutes that will make it all worth while. It will be eternity.
I am Thankful that there is rest waiting for me. My final home is ready and I will be welcomed with open arms.
I am looking forward to that eternity Ryan and I’m thankful for that promise.
Thanks for the encouragement to keep using a heavenly perspective in this fallen world.
We know the ending!!
Glad it could be an encouragement Floyd. And like you I know the ending. Makes it all worthwhile.