For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (Hebrews 13:14 ESV)
Travel and Hope
We used to spend many, many, many, many, many, many hours on the road in the summer. And roads are not my favorite place. It seems our air conditioning was never strong enough, my sunglasses were never reflective enough, our snack food was never tasty enough, and my conversation-skills never riveting enough.
But the destinations made the miserable roads bearable.
Anticipated panoramic ocean views, lazy time with family or friends, heart-stopping (and re-starting) amusement parks, locations of profound historical significance, and occasional extravagant cabins all are waiting at the end of unpleasant pathways.
And the best destination is usually home.
When I am away, I am eager to get back home.
No matter how many road construction bumps and delays inhabit the highways, it is always worst just before getting home. No matter how fatiguing the caffeine-free hours, it is always worst just before getting home. No matter how repetitive the music, road signs, and scenery appear, It is always worst just before getting home.
So I look ahead, hoping for home.
True for vacation, work trips, and long distance visitings… but more-so for Christians.
Our entire life is traveling. We are on our way home. A few hymns speak of where our home is, and going home, and crossing the river on the way home… but those hymns get the idea from Scripture.
The most important adjective that attaches to ‘home’ is ‘heavenly.’
We are on our way home. The road is rough. But we know where we are going. And that can give birth to hope.
Take the hope God grants us.