Two Very Special Trips
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
This morning I read a devotional message that said, “You are on your way to heaven; nothing can stop you from reaching your destination.” My initial reaction was, “woo-hoo!” I know that. I believe it. Yet seeing in print, so clearly defined, was amazing.
In thirty days I’m going on a cruise with my daughter, her boyfriend, her two daughters and my precious hubby. Nice, right? Wait, it gets so much better. This is no ordinary cruise. It is a Disney cruise. Still not the best part. Want to know why? The best part is that it is a gift from Laura and Brandon.
When Laura first told me about it I was shocked. After the initial shock and protests about the extravagance subsided, I began to get excited. That excitement was enhanced by the questions my granddaughters, Faith and Madelyn keep asking me. They are six and four and want as many details as my one prior experience can provide. Throughout the last three months they have randomly asked me questions that have reminded me, “Wow, we’re going on a cruise together.”
After reading the line about heaven this morning I began to think about the cruise. I thought about how we’ve talked and planned. It’s going to be great fun. It could however, be taken from us. Most likely it won’t be but it could.
No one, nothing, not one person or thing can take away my heavenly home. My Father in his loving kindness has reserved a spot for me. He then sent Jesus to pay my fare and further to leave me with the knowledge that he, Jesus, is getting my room ready. (John 14:2-4)
In thirty days, God willing and as long as I am still in good standing with Laura and Brandon, Otto will place our packed bags into our car. We will then meet Laura, Brandon and the girls and head out for several days of total relaxation and fun. I have a fairly good idea of what to expect but this time I get to add to that knowledge, the fact that we will have some of our dearest ones with us. I am very excited.
In an undetermined number of days, months or even years, I will take a trip, the details of which I have no knowledge. I will arrive in a place about which I know very little. I have a pretty good idea that some of the people near and dear to me will be there already or follow behind me but of that I cannot really be certain. The trip may be arduous. It may be sad. It is fairly safe to say that the journey itself will not be relaxing or fun. Still, I’m even more excited about that trip because it is my trip home. God is willing for me to take that trip. Nothing, no whim or mood, no force of nature, no person, nothing can stop me from reaching that destination. I’m much more apprehensive about that trip but also much, much more excited about the destination.
When I board that cruise ship I will board with five of my favorite people. When I take that other trip I will go alone. When I board that ship some very lovely strangers will smile brightly and welcome me aboard, by name, no less. When I reach my other destination some dearly loved ones will be waiting, so I’m told but I know for sure that one huge smile will greet me, one long awaited hug will finally occur. I will be at home where my Daddy is waiting for me and no one can stop me from getting there.
This morning I read a devotional message that said, “You are on your way to heaven; nothing can stop you from reaching your destination.” My initial reaction was, “woo-hoo!” I know that. I believe it. Yet seeing in print, so clearly defined, was amazing.
In thirty days I’m going on a cruise with my daughter, her boyfriend, her two daughters and my precious hubby. Nice, right? Wait, it gets so much better. This is no ordinary cruise. It is a Disney cruise. Still not the best part. Want to know why? The best part is that it is a gift from Laura and Brandon.
When Laura first told me about it I was shocked. After the initial shock and protests about the extravagance subsided, I began to get excited. That excitement was enhanced by the questions my granddaughters, Faith and Madelyn keep asking me. They are six and four and want as many details as my one prior experience can provide. Throughout the last three months they have randomly asked me questions that have reminded me, “Wow, we’re going on a cruise together.”
After reading the line about heaven this morning I began to think about the cruise. I thought about how we’ve talked and planned. It’s going to be great fun. It could however, be taken from us. Most likely it won’t be but it could.
No one, nothing, not one person or thing can take away my heavenly home. My Father in his loving kindness has reserved a spot for me. He then sent Jesus to pay my fare and further to leave me with the knowledge that he, Jesus, is getting my room ready. (John 14:2-4)
In thirty days, God willing and as long as I am still in good standing with Laura and Brandon, Otto will place our packed bags into our car. We will then meet Laura, Brandon and the girls and head out for several days of total relaxation and fun. I have a fairly good idea of what to expect but this time I get to add to that knowledge, the fact that we will have some of our dearest ones with us. I am very excited.
In an undetermined number of days, months or even years, I will take a trip, the details of which I have no knowledge. I will arrive in a place about which I know very little. I have a pretty good idea that some of the people near and dear to me will be there already or follow behind me but of that I cannot really be certain. The trip may be arduous. It may be sad. It is fairly safe to say that the journey itself will not be relaxing or fun. Still, I’m even more excited about that trip because it is my trip home. God is willing for me to take that trip. Nothing, no whim or mood, no force of nature, no person, nothing can stop me from reaching that destination. I’m much more apprehensive about that trip but also much, much more excited about the destination.
When I board that cruise ship I will board with five of my favorite people. When I take that other trip I will go alone. When I board that ship some very lovely strangers will smile brightly and welcome me aboard, by name, no less. When I reach my other destination some dearly loved ones will be waiting, so I’m told but I know for sure that one huge smile will greet me, one long awaited hug will finally occur. I will be at home where my Daddy is waiting for me and no one can stop me from getting there.
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