Longing

It was a beautiful evening. Carolyn and I went running around a small lake and then on a bike path right next to a river in Avon, CO. It was nearing dusk and it was lovely...the sights of the huge surrounding mountains, the sound of the river, the smell of fresh mountain air, the feel of the crisp cool evening...etc. We enjoyed soaking it all in. We were in that small mountain town for some extended time with family...which made it almost perfect. However, during our cool-down walk we began to talk about our summer back in America and all that that entailed. In spite of all of the fulfillment and satisfaction we were experiencing, we began to realize that we were still left longing for something.
As humans, we are no strangers to longing for one thing or another. For some it could be financial success and security. To never have to worry about money again. For others it may be status, recognition or respect amongst peers. Others may long for a "simple life" or for a meaningful relationship with the person of their dreams. Still others long to feel like they have purpose and seek to give back to humanity in any way they can. Most of us long for each of these to one degree or another.
However, on that particular evening, Carolyn was able to pinpoint the deep longing that she still felt. It was simply a longing to have everyone that she loves close. To have all of those she loves and cares about in the same place. Together, with her. Moving to the other side of the world and developing deep relationships in a new country and culture is a blessing beyond words but for us it also means that now no matter where we are, we are always half-a-world away from someone that we love.
Then it struck me that we will never have that longing fulfilled until we are all reunited in Heaven. In fact, none of our longings will be truly fulfilled until the day we meet our creator face-to-face. On Earth, God allows us to have tastes of what the beauty of Heaven holds for us but we cannot realistically expect to experience the full benefits that being in His presence will give us until we are there. In the midst of longing and the pain that can accompany it, this truth gives little comfort. However, it can bring us great hope for the awesome future that we as Christians can look forward to.

Grandma and Grandpa with the cousins

Our fam (L to R: Calli, Dan, Abby, Cameron, Carolyn and Alex)

Pedal boats on the lake in Avon

Alex helping Cameron "rock climb"

The Colorado Columbine

Beaver Creek in the background

Sunset over the lake

All of this reminded of the verses where God says "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:22-25. God told us that we would groan (or long for) what is yet to come...the redemption of our bodies. Until then, all we can do is long...patiently.