A Better Place

I visited Jan’s grave site this afternoon.  Her body is next to my father’s, and someday next to mine.  But we will not be there – inside the earth.  While nothing in this life is certain (except death and taxes, according to Will Rogers), eternal joy in heaven is certain for those whom Jesus Christ will gather to Himself on the last day.

The Lord is signaling to me that my work as His ambassador in a foreign land will continue.  It’s been great to have Martha and Philip living with Sara and I in the mission house.  We visit with David, Andrea, and little Christy from time to time.  Jonathan sometimes drops by.  We see Hannah and Daniel about once a month.  But my place is not here, not yet.

Tomorrow is Independence Day.  We will celebrate the 4^th by being together in the afternoon and watching a fireworks show in the evening.  I admit that it has been nice to drive on nice roads and live in a comfortable house, to shop in clean stores and conveniently order whatever I want online.  I don’t miss the ants, bugs, spiders, rodents, and other tropical critters that populate nearly every house and building in the Philippines.

But my purpose on this earth is not to live for myself, although it’s sure tempting to want to.  Sometimes my faith waivers when I walk through the clean, carpeted, air-conditioned house, or when I drive through the beautiful parks and scenic highways of America.  Yet, I know none of this can compare to the majesty that awaits me in heaven for eternity.  I remind myself that the more I sacrifice here, the more I will likely have to enjoy there.

I also know that the many pastors, church leaders, and faithful believers who live in foreign lands, who never have the chance to even see a place like the U.S., will have far more rewards in eternity than me.  And that’s ok.  They deserve better.  The Bible reminds us that “eye has not seen, ear has not heard, mind cannot imagine all that God has prepared for those who trust in Him.”

So, I will enjoy the days God gives me here with my family.  Soon I will prepare to return to my ministry in the Philippines.  Most of all, I will eagerly look forward to that day when my work on earth is done and I step into God’s kingdom.  What a day of rejoicing that will be!  Jan already knows.