I have two friends with cancer. For both right now it does not look so good. One in particular recently remarried only to face what seems endless hospital visits and treatments.
Recently a friend called to say that life had lost its "taste" for him. This is someone who is in every area of his life successful. I often have envied him. But his statement I echoed. I too feel that not much brings joy.
My mom is 88 years old and her health lately has declined. She has always been strong even with crippling arthritis. Though I am an only child, she has raised many sons, some of whom no doubt read this blog. She is in my estimation a great woman.
My wife recently ask me which was more difficult, to be waiting for your promised land or to have arrived only to realize "now what?"
There is in every heart a deep longing. I have heard it in songs, seen it in art, felt it at graduations, funerals, weddings, and parties. It is the longing for intimacy and companionship that far transcends friends, family or marriage.
Becoming a Christian does not quench this longing, it makes it worse. You see it is the face of God we long for. It is the joy of being enjoyed by Him and enjoying Him. All barriers removed as we behold the unveiled glory of God.
You see the longing is a gift. It keeps you going when you would rather stop. It keeps you focused when you could settle for lesser "lovers". It makes you fight for those you love to see their longing for Him fulfilled. It pushes, prods, encourages, sometimes frustrates, but it always has as its end turning to Jesus to find in Him all our longings realized.
There is one other thing. I am not so sure God does not long as well, for the day when He will make all things new, for the day when with unveiled faces we from the heart cry "Abba".
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
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1 comments:
Tim, thanks for your insight.
Your mention of your mother is so true. As one of her "adopted" sons in the late 70s and early 80s, I fondly remember always being greeted with her big grin, genuine warmth, a ready place at a bounteous table and a spot on the couch in front of her beloved "Mandrell Sisters" and much, much laughter. She and your Dad demonstrated heaven in a way that few have in my life. Your parents selflessly extended their family to include those of us far away from home. Somehow it never occurred to me that I might be intruding or that it might not be a good time to visit. They never let me think that. Such unconditional sacrifice, as I now look back on it, surely will be rewarded with a crown. The crown of genuine, biblical hospitality.
Give her my love,
Joel
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