Senselight Journey

It's summertime and of course we all start to think of the beach.  Summers ago back in my youth I used to spend quiet a bit of time in the sun, at the beach or a pool.  The best part about all that was the time to read, be still, reflect and of course...people watch.

However, nothing beats time in the Caribbean.  I was talking to my mom tonight and trying to explain to her that time in the Caribbean stands still.  There is something that happens the moment you get off the plane...peace.  It's not just that you are so far away from responsibilities or the hectic life we live day in and out but that the time changes.

When I would go on mission trips I would get up around 5 a.m or 6 a.m. and we wouldn't leave for our work site until 8 or 9 a.m  You would think that would make the day long or the hours drag by.  However, the hours go by slow and it's a pleasure to enjoy.  The time to just sit and look at the beauty of creation. To praise and worship our creator for Who He is and what He has done in my life.  A time to talk and not be interrupted or rushed.  Just to take time to be...to be still...

Kenny Chesney was talking about heaven on CMT tonight.  My mom was watching it and told me that he said that he looked forward to heaven but that there is time on this earth that is so wonderful that he wants just a little longer here.  It got me thinking about paradise...

Paradise...

Jesus told the man on the cross next to him that today you will be with me in paradise.  (Luke23:43) Do you think this man's next thought was "but this world has been so wonderful...I'd like to stay a little longer"?

Many of us "Christians" are living as if we were never asked to die.  The Lord himself ask us to die and to pick up our cross.  We all are to crucify our flesh, our sin, our self to the cross of Christ and go boldly to become His slave.  However, many of us are satisfied where we are and we are happy to be right where we are.

Hmmm...

Have you read Revelation 21.  Stop and take time to read it.  Think about it.  Soak it in.

It brings tears to my eyes when I read this passage of scripture.  You think that you are moved by Psalms 139 and how the Lord knows you and every part of you and cares for you.  But when you read of what he has gone and prepared for His Bride...yes, His Bride where is your emotion?

I am overwhelmed.  Do I deserve a city, a place, and a Savior so beautiful.  Do I deserve a wedding so pure and righteous?  Me ... the sinner... with Him in a blink of an eye in paradise.  If we think that the Caribbean is amazing how much more amazing is it going to be with the Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ every moment of every day overflowing in worship and praise.

This is the paradise I long for this summer...just a taste...just a glance at what is to come.  Lord, help me desire your presence and eternity with you.  May we rejoice in leaving this world and stop holding on to the rubbish.

Amen.