Rough'n It on Planet Earth

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1

Growing up, I wasn't able to run as far as the other kids, go outside much in the wintertime, or go camping, because of my severe asthma. Despite these limitations, I still loved being outside and playing in the woods behind our house. But I never developed much of a desire to go camping ... that is, until I got engaged to my wife. Now she doesn't camp; her idea of camping is roughing it at the Holiday Inn. Her dad and brother-in-law, on the other hand, go hunting every year. When I joined the family, therefore, I was expected to go camping.

I enjoy camping now, and there are a lot of things I enjoy in the woods. I love seeing all the stars, hearing the night sounds, and watching all the animal activity, but the woods can sometimes be a dangerous and scary place, both real and imagined.

I remember one spring, we were camping in a tent, and I woke up to a sound like a freight train. I looked out and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was just the wind blowing really hard. I had a hard time convincing myself that night that a tornado wasn't out there.

It can also be unendingly uncomfortable on some level. It seems that when you go camping, youre either too hot or too cold; you and all you're stuff gets wet; you inevitably forgot to pack something; and you don't have electricity!!! I guess when you really get down to it, I have to admit I'm a fair weather camper.

Sojourners

Now it could be said that we're also fair weather campers while we travel this life. We enjoy all life has to offer, like the joy of holding a new baby, the sound of children playing at dusk during summers eve, and the love we share with our friends and family. But yet, while we enjoy camping out here under heaven, we're also aware that we're in constant danger, both real and imagined. In this life, we suffering the howling wind of circumstance, the bitter bite of pain, the drought of disappointment, and the scorching heat of suffering. All these conditions, however, only serve to reminder us that this tent is not our permanent home.

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 2Corinthians 5:2-3

Now as much as we say we'd like to live forever, who would want to go to work five days a week for even 900 years? I sure don't. I can't imagine having to work for 300 years, let alone 900 years or for an eternity! Granted, having your family with you would make it a little easier, but then the longer you lived, the more suffering you have to see your kids endure. I don't know if I can bear seeing my child go through the hardships of puberty, let alone endure year after year of all the sickness, disappointment, and setbacks that come with life. So who would want to unendingly entertain guests and loved ones in a tent and over a campfire when you could have a real party in a perfect home complete with indoor plumbing, running water, and electricity?

I have to believe this is, in part, what Paul had in mind when he said that we groan in our current house; we groan under the burdened years, under the weight of suffering, and the pain we endure in this life.

Just knowing we will not always inhabit this tent of suffering, that the Christian is not doomed to live a life of endless toil or doomed to see loved ones ceaselessly suffer, gives encouragement to my soul. There is a better time coming! We have faith that we will live in an eternity beyond this life.

I thank you, Jesus, that you are the Good Shepherd. I thank you that when we submit to you as sheep, you give us the promise of your watch care and supply. I thank you that you supply your sheep with green pastures, still waters and the promise of an eternal home. Thank you for the assurance of an abundant banquet at your table in your presence. Amen.

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