Are We There Yet?

A fresh calendar sparks eagerness to plot out this year’s vacation. I’ve always needed a “travel carrot” dangling at my nose to fuel my anticipation of an action-packed itinerary. Checklists, suitcase and maps are laid out well in advance. Hopeful for the freedom to tour unfettered by mask mandates or occupancy limits this year, I wash my hands of viral fear and political tension. 

Looking forward to future events can be thrilling, but can also entrap us in disappointment when things don’t unfold precisely as designed. The wait time between ideation and leave-taking seems infinite. Unexpected detours of illness, tragedy or unseen lockdowns might crush those carefully laid out plans, igniting frustration and anger. 

Are we there, yet? What person hasn’t said it, thought it or heard it from the car’s back seat?

Expectation and attitude about the future sets us up for how we experience God’s presence, not only while on holiday, but throughout everyday life.

He chose us before time began, planned our past, present AND future with precision, grace and purpose – “to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment.” (Ephesians 1:10). We must remember to prioritize faithfulness at all times; whether revitalizing on vacation or enduring the daily grind; “doing it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to him.” (Colossians 3:17).

Unseen intersections where God reroutes our journey are clear evidence that His ways differ from ours; but ARE designed to benefit. Learning to flex and yield adds stability in our earthly struggles. Something I’ve learned often on many “hiccups” interrupting past family excursions. While flu episodes, hospital visits, flat tires, wind-bent tent poles, critter-nabbed food and mountain snow could have tainted our “happy times;” we can now see them through a positive, spiritual lens of joyfulness as we recall these cherished memories.

Misplaced belief that our flawless preparations produce idyllic outcomes blinds us to reality. We lose sight of the cross and our reason for being here: seizing every mission opportunity NOW. Sharing a meal with a neighbor, donating to a worthy cause, sending timely encouragement to friends are important extras we dare not neglect. Such acts represent Jesus gospel message and provide the Holy Spirit with opportunity to lead more hearts (including ours) to their ultimate destination: heaven. We recently shared our church’s schedule with neighbors who unexpectedly showed up at the same worship service as our family! How skillfully God uses relationships right where he plants us as a gateway to Himself!

Are we there yet?

While hustling through planning checklists (downloadable in every detail from Pinterest) do we also pack supplies that nurture our confidence of spending eternity with our Savior?

Until reaching heaven’s door, learning and sharing God’s Word is key to time well-spent.

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:8

Are we THERE yet?

One by one, our days pass by. The Creator delights in our ongoing presence with him through prayer, worship and Bible study. Connectedness to people in places we visit and where we live are God’s way to grow spiritual fruit. Grateful for time to enjoy these gifts, we eagerly await the promise of our heavenly home, maximizing use of every day as it approaches.

No, we aren’t there yet – but we ARE one day closer.