Longings

In the dead of winter, with the Columbia River gorge winds blowing, my heart is longing for spring. I want clear skies, warm breezes and fresh flowers on my table. This is a seasonal longing.

I have another longing that runs through my heart like a deep, endless ocean. I am homesick, dreaming of a place without sickness, pain or suffering. This earthly dwelling place is exhausting with the trials of life and all the burdens we encounter as mortal humans while residing here.

When I read scripture, I find I'm not alone in such emotional turmoils. Paul said: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose, I cannot tell." He concluded by acknowledging the body of Christ needed him...they had work to do for the Lord. Phil. 1:21-26 Paul found joy in the serving regardless of his circumstances or his own heart longings, by submitting to God's plan and not his own.

I find great encouragement in this today, watching winter's rain pelt against my window pane. I have a renewed interest in being about my Father's business here on earth, and will continue to serve Him mortally with His eternal Hope.

Are you tired of waiting, friend? Tired of grappling with earthly troubles and burdens? Here's what God said to Jeremiah. "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for good and not for evil...to give you a future and a hope." Jer. 29:11

I'll be longing for Heaven until I take my last breath, but in the mean time, I'm willing to "wait upon the Lord," who renews my strength on a daily basis. How about you?