Longing for...

A simpler time...

...when hot, sticky days are spent splashing in ponds and searching for shade.

...when families gather over big plates of watermelon, fried chicken and homemade biscuits.

...when evenings are filled with great story-telling, laughter and games.

...when laundry and lawn mowing are social activities.

...when lemonade is actually made from juicy, fresh, yellow lemons.

...when young girls glean incredible wisdom at their elder's knees.

...when little boys don't die.

The sad truth is, no matter how rosy we try to paint the picture, there has never been such a time. Since Adam and Eve introduced sin into this world we have lived with hurt, pain and loss. Yet, I still long for these simple, unspoiled things. When my daughter was small, she longed for us to live in a castle where everyone we loved could live with us all the time. There were times when we had to leave special people, either for a short time or through death. She truly mourned over the loss of their presence in her life and would again lament the lack of a castle big enough for all of us to be together forever. At 16-years-old, she still would love for her dream to come to fruition; so would I.

She and I have placed our hope in something we have never seen, never experienced. But, somehow, we can't let go of our desires. I have to believe it is because God placed that longing in us for a reason. He has given us an idea, a dream, of what Heaven might just be like. At least, He has given us enough desire that we have something to look forward to...even when we face some pretty difficult days.

Today I will attend the funeral of a precious little boy, killed by a man driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs. Today one of my daughter's best friends is moving away. Rachel has already called me once today. She started to make up a reason, but she really just wanted to feel connected to someone. I could hear that longing in her voice. Then she asked me how I was doing. She could hear that longing in my voice, too.

Someday...

... we will live in a castle with everyone we love.

... we will splash in the purest water and feast at a table set for multitudes.

... everything will be a social activity.

... laughter and joy will be as much a part of us as the air we breathe.

... little girls will have all the wisdom they ever need.

.. little boys will never die...

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” Revelation 20:3-5

...longing for the day.....