But a Mist. . .

Vacation requires preparation.  Typically, a family member will stay with our children at home while my husband and I sneak away for a weekend.  Before leaving, we plan outfits according to weather, try to shove all into one suitcase, create an itinerary, choose the quickest route and prepare our children for our absence.  Much effort goes into establishing a wonderful getaway only to have it pass by quickly.  Even more effort goes into creating a home filled with comfort, cleanliness and completely stocked with needed items.  My goal is for my children and whatever family member comes to wake up and simply enjoy their days.  I want no effort needed to find food, hygiene needs or clean laundry.  So, before departure, I strive to make meals, clean beds, turn off unnecessary electronics and keep the place neat and tidy.

We go through a checklist of kid’s events and make lunches for school, lay out outfits for the week and explain what is to be expected of them to keep our home nice.  We do not anticipate them to go hog-wild and get caught up in the temporary absence of “parents”.  Upon returning, the kids did as told, kept to the rules and had a blast the entire time.  We confidently tell them, “Well Done!”

In life we need not get too caught up in preparations for this getaway called the world. 

. . .”What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”  (James 4:14)

The life here cannot become comfortable.  We must not conform to the patterns here, but live daily in the Truths of our Father.  Just as a vacation must not become so comfortable that we push aside our longing to return home, the world cannot overpower our longing to return Home!  Jesus went ahead of us, creating a place for us in Heaven.  It is filled with comfort, cleanliness and completely stocked with needed items.  You will not want for anything, simply enjoy each moment.  Before Jesus departed this world, He paved a way through example and told of the Promise yet to come.  In faith, we know this is not our home, only a getaway which will pass quickly. 

In order to know what we shall accomplish here and how to prepare ourselves for our return to Home, we must read the Bible daily.  God will speak to us of our checklist to complete His plan for our lives.  He lays it all out for us, goes ahead and paves the way.  He sets the ultimate example of how to live here and strengthens our longing to see Him.  We cannot go hog-wild in this world, getting caught up in the temporary absence from our Father in physical form.  Cool part is, just as our children keep us in their hearts while we are gone. . .the presence of our God remains in our hearts through the dwelling of Holy Spirit inside.  He loves us so much that He did not just abandon us to live here; but, created each of us with a purpose in mind, sending His Holy Spirit to guide us through that plan.

Upon returning to our Father, I long to hear Him confidently say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Welcome Home!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig