Thursday, June 9, 2016

Far Better


Glen and I walk the streets of our city several times a week in preparation for hiking.  I especially love walking downtown and in the old, historic districts because there is always something beautiful or interesting to see.

Before we went on our first hike we both wondered if we were actually going to enjoy it.  We started out in the mountains of Tennessee one cold October morning and it wasn't long until we both realized we did in fact enjoy it very much.  Each hike ends with a discussion about the next hike.

The view from the Appalachian Train in Virginia
Hiking is far better than walking on the streets. While  hiking we have seen mountain vistas, beautiful rivers,
streams and creeks, the indescribable foliage of fall and the brilliant green of Spring.  We have heard birds calling in the trees unlike any we have heard before.  We have seen wildlife:  a huge turkey, a fox, a beaver -- no, no bears.  

Never once on the trail have I wished I was back walking on the sidewalks of our town instead.  Even though hiking presents much more of a challenge, it is still far better.

When we pass from this life to heaven, there will never be a moment we will pine for our life here on earth.  Our eyes will see things there that we can never even imagine.  Our ears will hear glorious sounds never before possible, especially the voice of our beloved Lord.  We will heartily agree with the Apostle Paul:

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and be with Christ; which is far better:" (Philippians 1:21, 23.)

The Lord has prepared such an incredible home for us that nothing here can even begin to approach it.  Mainly, He has given us Himself and there we will know Him without the interference of the world, the devil and our own flesh.  We should look ahead with expectation, joy and excitement because truly our best days are ahead and they will be "far better."


"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."  1 Corinthians 2:9


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