An Eternal Home

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal home in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5: 1

This past weekend Scott and Emily moved into their new home! They have looked forward to this time with much anticipation and excitement, and we are so happy for them! They are beginning a new chapter in their lives and we wonder what the pages will hold. Each room, every part of this home will bring so many memories, and we pray they will include much happiness and joy.

We all have memories that come to mind of the places we too have called “home” – whether it is the one we grew up in, or others we have lived in since! It seems like only yesterday that we moved into our first new home when Kelly was 14 months old, and Scott came along 4 years later. I was in the neighborhood of this home recently and rode by to see how much things had changed. A flood of memories came rushing back as I sat in the cul-de-sac for quite awhile just taking in all the changes that had taken place.

I saw images of us there – happy, laughing, the kids growing and changing, and I remembered all the love and good times we shared. I imagined Kelly and Scott racing down the driveway on their big wheels once again, and Bob washing the car and chasing after the kids with the water hose. I could picture them sleeping in their old bedrooms, and all of us huddled in the family room watching TV and playing Atari video games. So many stories inside those walls. So many memories. And yes, sentimental person that I am, I shed a few tears.

These old memories come to mind so easily. I remember so vividly the day we moved into our present home when Kelly was 13 and Scott was 7.  And just last week while Cole was here with us, I slept in Kel’s room to be nearer to him in his Uncle Scott’s room. For the longest time, I just lay on her bed thinking of all the times I had gone in to wake them up for school and had to step over the pom poms and cheerleading posters she had left lying around and to make my way through Scott’s Legos on the floor. I thought of all the times we watched them drive off and prayed they would return safely home. I smiled as I remembered all the times I had asked them to turn down their music or to get off the phone to do their homework. And of course, the tears fell once again, as I remembered with what sadness and anticipation we packed them off for college.

Where did the time go? So many memories and so many places God has taken us through the years. There was much joy, but there was also sadness, and during all the many changes and experiences – with each new chapter – we always knew that God’s presence was with us.

Now Kelly and Scott are grown, with families and homes of their own. We don’t know what the future holds for any of us, but we do know that God holds our lives in His hands. With all the sweet memories and the joy this life can bring, it’s difficult to think of leaving our loved ones behind, but we know there’s more to come. These earthly tents – our bodies and the houses we live in – are only temporary dwellings, and God has something much more wonderful planned for us.

Another new home! We have His promise that He has prepared an eternal home for us filled with His love, goodness, and glory. A home beyond anything we could ever imagine – made with His power and glory. How grateful we can be that we know it is awaiting our arrival and the price has already been paid! There will be no more sadness, but only great joy to come!

 Prayer

Our most gracious and loving Father, we thank you for the gift of life and its many blessings, but even more, we thank you that when this life ends, we have your promise of an eternal home with you. We give you all honor, praise, and glory. Amen