When we arrive, we often call friends or loved ones, and say, "'Wish you were here!!" Postcards are also sent with a similar sentiment. Seldom do you hear someone say they wish they were back from where they departed from; but instead the air is filled with exciting descriptions and stories of what a great time they are having.
Sadly, when someone departs from this life, we don't get cheerful phone calls, nor postcards. And we certainly miss our dearly departed, knowing they will not be returning to share their wonderful stories. But, for those within our Christian family, which are hopefully most of our loved ones ...let us be certain they would be saying, "Wishing you were here!"
Pastor Tom also says, "Soldier on!!"
I know we hear that being said all over the place, and I understand the meaning for each point of reference. Here, I look at what Pastor said, and also consider how words like dishonorable discharge, defector, abandoning one's post (I'm not talking about simply abandoning a post on Facebook, or here) ...those other words affect us, and contain strong connotations. But, simply put, in life, we are here to honorably detect what God intends for us, and to 'soldier on' for the duration of how long He wants us to do it.
It is a different kind of war we are in ...but it is the most important. Sadly, many of the people fighting don't understand the nature of the war, and are confused about what they are fighting. The bottom line is: we may want to be somewhere else, but God wants us here ...and if that changes, I think we will know it. Meanwhile, if you can identify with someone, don't encourage the misery. We've all heard the saying, "Misery loves company." But that's not love ...and it does no more good than rallying around anger.
And I know this may be the unpopular thing to say, but being alone in this life (or perceiving it as such), is better than having to be eternally alone. Yes, many of us would like to have it better ... but, the best is to not only hope for the best. It is best to accept the 'Best'.
Jesus waits for all of us to accept; He does not depart from us. The real tragedy is that not all of us accept Him. Though the hope is, that while we still have breath ...we can.
I know we hear that being said all over the place, and I understand the meaning for each point of reference. Here, I look at what Pastor said, and also consider how words like dishonorable discharge, defector, abandoning one's post (I'm not talking about simply abandoning a post on Facebook, or here) ...those other words affect us, and contain strong connotations. But, simply put, in life, we are here to honorably detect what God intends for us, and to 'soldier on' for the duration of how long He wants us to do it.
It is a different kind of war we are in ...but it is the most important. Sadly, many of the people fighting don't understand the nature of the war, and are confused about what they are fighting. The bottom line is: we may want to be somewhere else, but God wants us here ...and if that changes, I think we will know it. Meanwhile, if you can identify with someone, don't encourage the misery. We've all heard the saying, "Misery loves company." But that's not love ...and it does no more good than rallying around anger.
And I know this may be the unpopular thing to say, but being alone in this life (or perceiving it as such), is better than having to be eternally alone. Yes, many of us would like to have it better ... but, the best is to not only hope for the best. It is best to accept the 'Best'.
Jesus waits for all of us to accept; He does not depart from us. The real tragedy is that not all of us accept Him. Though the hope is, that while we still have breath ...we can.
No comments:
Post a Comment