There was a time in my life when, if I’m completely honest, thoughts of Heaven didn’t exactly bring me much excitement. In my mind If I was there then I would be missing out on so many things that I wanted to do here.
My life was just getting started and there were so many wonderful things I had yet to experience. I was going to marry a sweet and handsome man, create our first home together, have a couple of beautiful babies, and travel the world (or at least take a trip to Rome and Paris, the most romantic cities on earth!) With so many exciting plans I wasn’t yet ready for Heaven.
If I only knew then what I know now.
God Is Gracious
God is so unbelievably kind and gracious. He did bless me with an amazing husband who loves and cherishes me, is still my best friend and humbles me daily. We did purchase our first home together and it has been everything we ever wanted. We had a beautiful baby girl who took our breath away and then a precious baby boy who stole our hearts. We’ve even had some wonderful vacations.
And yet in the midst of tremendous blessing I now see the foolishness of my dim view of Heaven. I was living for the here and now with little thought of eternity.
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A Longing For Heaven
My family has brought me more joy than I ever thought possible and I am forever grateful of the beautiful gifts He has so graciously given me.
But the truth is that this earth is not our true home and these gifts were never meant to take the place of the Giver.
Amidst the beauty that surrounds me there is also a broken and hurting world and I now find myself simply longing for Heaven.
For a place void of hatred, anger, jealousy, pride, pain, and sorrow.
A place, instead, full of love.
Joy.
Peace.
Patience.
Laughter.
Humility.
And above all else the presence of my Savior.
I long to simply run into His arms. To rest in the unfathomable love of our Creator and serve Him with all of me.
True Joy
As I’ve grown in my faith I realize that this is exactly what we were created for and this brings us the most joy. This world and all of its beauty and lures may offer pleasure for a moment, but will never truly satisfy us nor was it ever intended to.
Our lives here are so short, but we will spend eternity somewhere. In a world of busyness and constant noise do you ever take a moment to wonder why you are really here, what is the point of your life, and where you are going when you die?
Several years ago I started searching for answers and praying that if God was there that He would show Himself to me. He answered so clearly.
Why Do We Need A Savior?
At some point in our lives each of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Think of the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20… We’ve all lied, dishonored our parents, stolen something (no matter its value), lusted (which Jesus said is the same as committing adultery in our hearts) or hated someone (which He said is the same as murder).
God gave us these commands because He created us and knows how life works best. It was as if He was showing us that, “yes, you did mess up, but I love you and this is what I did for you so that you can be forgiven and spend eternity with me!” This is the reason He sent His Son. Jesus was the perfect sinless sacrifice who took our sin on the cross.
If we ask for forgiveness, turn from our sin, and trust in what He did for us we can be forgiven and assured of an eternity spent with Him in Heaven.
Seek Him With All Of Your Heart
If you haven’t done so already please take some time to search for truth before it’s too late. Jeremiah 29:13 says “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all of your heart.” I know that God will show Himself to you if you pursue Him with a sincere heart. He did it for me.
The Best Is Yet To Come
I am longing for a Home that I have never even been to, but was created for…
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also… No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him… And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass…
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them… He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (John 14:2-3, Corinthians 2:9, Revelation 21:21, Isaiah 11:6, Revelation 21:4)
“ But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20
Marty Hadding says
The challenge of remembering that there is more to this life than the here and now! But also daily living in the truth that we are to bring a bit of heaven here to this place where He has brought us…Thy kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…
Thank you for the reminder to keep temporal things in perspective.
Grace and peace!
Tabatha says
Thank you for the kind reply, Marty!
Sue Denym says
Amen to all of this! We are just travelers stopping here on our journey!
Tabatha says
Thank you for your comment and for stopping by, Sue!
Stephanie says
Beautifully written! Thank you for sharing!
Tabatha says
Thank you very much, Stephanie! I’m grateful for the feedback, thank you for stopping by =)
Crystal Garman says
Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives that we lose our focus. What a great reminder that the home we are longing for is our eternal one. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
Tabatha says
Thank you for the kind response, Crystal! Yes, you’re right that it’s so easy to lose sight of what truly matters in our fast paced society. Grateful for such a loving Heavenly Father who works on our hearts to draw us back to Himself. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Chelsae says
I agree that we often get caught up in the everyday life. What a great read.
Tabatha says
Thank you for taking the time to read, Chelsae, and for your kind comment =)
Bonnie says
Tabatha! Thank you for sharing how God has worked in your life so graciously. I resonated with much of what you said. I, too, used to know that I “ought to” long for heaven, but I simply didn’t. But I now ache and even sometimes groan inwardly for Christ’s return- for Him to make all things new, and for the fullness of His presence among His people, including me! 🙂
Tabatha says
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, Bonnie! It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only believer who has struggled in this area. And yes, I can only begin to imagine what it will be like when everything is made new =)
paula shank says
Tabatha…..I too say “here here”! Being a senior now has not made way for a loftier more noble attitude towards heaven. Sometimes I feel so blessed by my own family that it is hard for me to see clearly that truth you spoke of………this is not our home. I have had to repent many times for the sin of idolatry towards my family. As a mother and now grandmother, and being away from the daily activity of family, even missing them becomes a forefront thought. Oh that we could be freed from our flesh and in the presence of our Savior and friend. He IS so good to us and that gift of peace, joy, comfort…..is humbling. Your time here in this blog is sooo appreciated. Keep reminding us all of His goodness while we journey towards our true home.
Tabatha says
Paula, you’re kind words mean more than you know. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Yes, I agree that it is very easy for us, especially as moms (and grandmas =)) to make an idol out of our children. So grateful for His patience with us and the joy He brings.
Jenn says
I love this! Reminds me of the CS Lewis quote about how we find this world lacking, so there must be a better place. (Paraphrased, obviously!) I relate to trying to fill myself up with things that don’t leave me full. God is the only thing – and in heaven we’ll be with him all the time! Thanks for sharing this, Tabatha.
Tabatha says
Thank you for the kind comment, Jenn! Yes! I know the exact quote you’re referring to. C.S. Lewis was such a wise man! I’m so grateful that we have a God who pursues us and satisfies our longings. Thank you for stopping by today =)