WAITING

The room where I sat was filled with people just like me. We’ve all been there at one time or another; it’s called, “the waiting room.” Waiting can feel like a useless exercise. We make appointments and reservations to limit the amount of time waiting, but sometimes it can’t be helped.

“The creation waits in eager expectation…” Everything in nature, including you and me, is created by God with the need to wait and rest. Each year, with the changing of seasons, we watch as trees and flowers look as though they are dying when, in fact, they are resting, and preparing for new growth at a later time. The process of regeneration in nature is a picture and story of promise for you and me.

I’m not sure when it happens, but at some point, as we mature, the fact that death is a part of life becomes a reality for all of us. Indeed, the older we become, the greater is our acceptance of the mortality rate which is one hundred percent. Just last night, I attended a reception for a dear friend who died. She loved Jesus! As I waited in the receiving line (another waiting!) to greet her family, I couldn’t help but thank God for eternal life. My friend is not in the beautiful box that contains her earthly remains. Because of Jesus Christ and His empty tomb, she is in heaven, and one day will receive me when I leave this world.

This earth is not all there is. In Jesus, you can make a reservation now for heaven. Then, as the saying goes, “the best is yet to come!”