I have lived almost 5 years now in the Dallas area, and before that lived 8 years in Central Oregon. So why is it that as my husband and I flew into Seattle a little over a week ago I found myself saying ” I’m Home”?
I even posted a picture of myself in front of the original Starbucks in Seattle on a beautiful sunny day, which prompted friends to start a chain comment thread based on the old TV series Here Come The Brides starring heartthrob Bobby Sherman. The theme song was called The Bluest Skies You Have Ever Seen Are In Seattle.
Believe me when I say this song has been replaying in my head since then (which hasn’t always been welcome – especially in the middle of the night)!
I know one reason I call Seattle home is because that’s where my husband and I had lived for over 30 years. It’s where my sister and her family still live today (hence my visit).
But a big reason is because Gary and I had our 3 children there; and then lost 2 of them while still so young. Seattle is where we had so many loved ones gather around us, praying us through those tough times. And many of those same loved ones still pray and encourage us even now, for which we have been so abundantly blessed.
We weren’t able to get together with a lot of our friends because time was short, yet I will never forget so many of their faces, and I remember so many instances where their love just came pouring out.
However as I’ve been reflecting on these precious friends, as well as the many other reasons I think of Seattle as my home, I’ve been reminded that Seattle really isn’t my home, after all. Because Jesus tells me that my true home – which will last forever – is in the new Jerusalem where “the main street (the broadway) [will be] of gold as pure and translucent as glass” (Revelation 21:21 AMP). Wow!
When I read through Revelation 21, I find myself pondering just what this new Jerusalem will really look like, and I really can’t imagine it. I know that there will be no more pain, crying or sorrow (v. 4), there will be no more evil (v. 8), and that the city itself will shine brightly with God’s glory, just like a precious jewel (v. 11). The foundation of the city’s walls are going to be decorated with all sorts of precious stones (v. 19-20), and we will not need the sun or the moon to give us light (v. 23).
But here’s the kicker: Jesus says in John 14:1-3 that He’s even now preparing a beautiful place there just for me: “Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (NLT).
So my dear friends, think about these things. It’s hard, for sure. But the bottom line is this: No matter how beautiful I think Seattle (especially down at the waterfront) is on a gorgeous sunny day, it can’t even come close to the beauty and splendor that our great God has planned for those who believe in Him.
And – no matter how much I tend to think of Seattle as “home,” nothing will be able to compare with what awaits me someday. So I will choose to keep my eyes on my Lord, instead of what this earth has to offer.
The God Of All Comfort 