Facing change is inevitable, but when we are not prepared, change can be wearisome and challenging. Now that I am in the post-diaper-changing and minivan era, I find myself wanting more predictability and comfort.  Daily tasks such as driving, laundry, and grocery shopping, become “work” as I deal with the effects of my aging mind and body. While my weekends used to be filled with sports activities and birthday parties, I’m often sitting in a slow, quiet living room, reading a book or scrolling through those old family photos, reminiscing of the days when all my kids were living at home. I’m realizing that life on earth is just a void digital image if we are only living for the here and now and not for eternity.

As I reflect back on God’s faithfulness through the different life stages, I now look forward to what is to come, not just on earth, but as it is in heaven.  Living with the kingdom dwelling in mind helps me surrender my need to control, my desire for comfort, my clinging to the fleeting aspirations for my kids to thrive and be successful and for my aging body to be restored.

I thank God for the local church, for the body of Christ, for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and for spiritual grandparents who have come alongside me on this faith journey for we are not meant to do life on earth alone. Heaven is for feasting, for perfect harmony, for enjoying God, for eternal rest and comfort without the toil.  Why not live with that already-but-not-yet mindset on earth as it is in heaven? So, how does that change our perspective on how we parent, how we love our neighbor, and how we share about the One who brings glad tidings of great joy?

Knowing that we have already received the promises of restoration and perfect union with Christ beyond this broken world, awaiting heaven gives me great hope especially when I face trials and tribulations.  God is unchanging, unwavering, and unaffected by our unfaithfulness.  He loves us in all seasons and is renewing us day by day. As I reflect on the character of God, I am reminded that He is in control and He is the One who works all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

When I look to the One who has created me in His image and also made and formed me, what do I have to fear?  He is the God of comfort and rest.  Jesus is the Redeemer and the One who brings me joy in the midst of trials. “So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Now what does this look like as a ministry leader, parent, or co-worker?  Know that your pain and trials are temporary compared to the glory that awaits.  Even if your sermon wasn’t well-delivered, you didn’t get the grade you wanted or the promotion you were hoping for, your kids are being rebellious, . . . fear not, but rest in Jesus who brings you comfort and hope in the midst of suffering.  For we are not meant to suffer alone, but in Christ who has rescued you as we pray, may His kingdom come, may His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).