Forever…
Some moments we just wish wouldn’t end. Moments like when a three year old puts his arm around your neck and says: “Grammy I stay with you forever!”
In the midst of laughter and fun come heart-felt words spoken by the innocence of childhood. Forever – just how long is that? Life here on earth is brief. When we’re three it seems like it’s long, but when we’re grammy age we look back and wonder how it can be so very short.
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14 NIV)
Deep in our souls, Christ followers or not, we know this earth life isn’t all there is. But many forfeit eternity – refusing to believe there is any God other than self. So many seizing as much fulfillment here (no matter the cost), because soul deep also is the knowledge that what can be seen – this earthly pursuit – doesn’t last.
“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2Corinthians 4:18 CSB)
What I want my grandchildren to know is this: this isn’t all there is, and where eternity is spent is a decision. The most important choice one will ever make.
Someday either we will all wear out our earthly bodies or be here when Jesus returns. To live life saying there is no God is the most hopeless life there is. Looking forward only to a weary body that will take a final breath is truly depressing. Ignoring it all and just putting one day after another behind you is foolish.
Time to make a choice – find eternal life or forfeit it. Joy, not happiness, but joy is found in knowing God. For in knowing Him there is peace that there is forever – one without sorrow, pain, or death. And it’s where the one who told you at three he would be with you forever, really will be.
“And this is the way to have eternal life – to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth.” (John 17:3 NLT)
parisrenae 
This is the most important decision we will ever make. Praise Jesus we can spend eternity with Him. It strikes, as you talk about perspectives on time, that in heaven time won’t end- will that make it feel long? Short? Just right? We will find out someday!
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So true, we are confined to time but God never has been. What freedom there will be in no time constraints and what peace. Blessings as you look forward to someday…
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Paris, yes, I love moments with my grandchildren. Moments etched on my heart forever. And I want them to know about God’s eternal forever too! Great post!
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It’s humbling to know that He has given us precious lives to impart His presence to – blessings as you share the good news and the hope of forever with those He’s blessed you with.
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Our children and grandchildren can teach us so much. Yup, forever to them can mean something different than it does for us. Just like it means something different for God and me. Right now I want to be forever with him, but my mind can’t even comprehend forever.
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So true, our finite minds just can’t comprehend the vastness of forever. But His promises are Yes and Amen and we will have forever, blessings as you look forward to it!
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Trying to live with eternity in view…allowing it to give perspective to my every day. What a gift to teach our children and grandchildren the same truths!!
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Yes, all is a gift – the gift of salvation, the gift of faith, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the gift of passing on our faith. He is a generous Father…
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Because of Jesus hope it’s never lost. Thank you for this beautiful post!
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What peace there is in that hope for sure – He gives all things and helps us endure all things – and someday…forever, Amen!
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