Last night was the last night it was going to be “just the four of us,” before I get married, because my sister leaves for college tomorrow. We all went out to dinner and came home to watch a movie — super fun, familiar activity for us. Afterwards we all stood in the door to our separate nighttime rituals and talked about the upcoming days. Mom shed some tears, my sister cracked some jokes to lighten the mood, I felt my own eyes get pricked with emotion, Dad was reassuring and encouraging. It was a sweet moment. We talked about our family, all of the love and relationship and excitement over new seasons of life, how faithful God is. I almost wanted someone to write a story about it so I could keep it with me. An underlying sense of a changing of winds.

Later, it was just me and Mom, and I had an opportunity to share some things that had been heavy on my heart lately. She eased anxieties, set perspectives straighter, and downright comforted my soul. Hallelujah for moms (and dads!) in whatever season of life you’re in. She reminded me that their tears come from how excited they are for me, how proud, and how much they love me, and are happy I’ll still be in the same town. :)

I went to sleep feeling more at rest than I have in days, but in my mind’s running, reflecting on memories past, wanting to cling to them and absorb them in my heart, I heard the Lord…

“These are all wonderful things, but my child this is still not your home. You are only passing through.”

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:14-16

These days are good, so good. My life up until this point has been blessed, and while sometimes it is easy to be sad because childhood is over, or sleeping in my old room is over, I will spend eternity with Jesus and all of these loved ones. I believe this life is a long walk to life in heaven. I don’t have to fear the passing of moments, the changing of times — I have the freedom to embrace today and the newness of tomorrow, because I’ll be enjoying these people, these loves, in eternity. Life with them there, joyfully worshiping the One we all call Lord, will be a trillion times better than here. (and here is pretty alright!)

It’s like He was encouraging my soul, saying,

“Do not mourn the passing of yesterday. Keep the right perspective. Make the most of today, love the socks off people, anticipate the good of tomorrow. But always remember that a day will come when you will all be present with Me.”

So.. I share this to challenge and encourage you as I have now been, to think eternally.

Happy Friday, friends.