By: Laura Lee Cochran 2024
I am stuck at a crossroads, no road less traveled by to mark my path. But two undeniable thoughts, and a foggy assurance of which to take.
One being: that life on earth is to be enjoyed.
The other: that this life on earth is nothing but a vapor, to be left behind for something greater.
I am quite aware that earth is not my home. Heaven is. The moment I forsake that truth beckons me to forget why I’m here in the first place. My faith is not for mine alone, but to lead others to the feet of His throne. I am meant to be a solider on this sphere of land and sea, to set the captives free. I am to declare God’s goodness and grace, and to await to look upon His glorious face. Earth is not my home, it is but a ripple in a sea of eternity. Why lay up treasures here when my treasures is in the Lord’s presence. There is an eternity that awaits, a place set before me in Heaven. One of splendor and gold, singing of a love foretold. Life is a vapor, because what comes after is meeting my Maker.
But does that mean I should neglect the beauty of earth? To deny myself the ability to enjoy my friendships and the excitement of adventure? Or be swooned by a kind and gentle gesture? Can I still enjoy a good book and a cup of a sparkling iced beverage? And sometimes giggling, something surpassing language? May I allow myself the ability to create something on this earth, knowing it won’t last? Can I admit that, yes, there is an eternity, but a temporary stands before me? One that isn’t always turned toward sin or the breaking of God’s heart, but temporary nonetheless. Can I bring eternity to the temporary, like Heaven here on earth? With melodies of praise and loving for all my days? Can I enjoy my life here on earth, or is it merely supposed to be a stepping stone to what awaits the afterlife?
Now I do understand, this world is filled with its pain and suffering, but to disclose it to nothing but that would be a crime. My God spent time to create what stands before me. Earth is all I’ve ever known. Although it is not my home, it has been there all this time. I will not miss it when I go, I do know that. But may I not take for granted what I can never get back? I will never know what it means to rebuild a friendship in heaven, or to mourn with a loved one. I will never be able to understand what it means to fight for what is right, or to lend a helping hand in strife. My hands will always be clean, no longer need of repentance, free from my sentence. No longer will I understand what it means to come before God with holy remorse, accepting his grace once more. On earth, I am able to experience God in a way I never will be able to in Heaven. In a way, earth prepares me. I wish not to forsake that.
So you see, there is beauty in the hope of knowing there is a Heaven set before us. Knowing this pain and anguish is not forever. And soon the Father, Son, Spirit, and I will all be together along with other faithful believers.
But there is also beauty in knowing that earth is rare. It is not all destruction and despair. Flowers still grow after winter and rainbows still come after rain. Who are we to forget this again?
Let us not get caught up in the world so that Heaven is a lost memory, or hate the world because it lacks the completeness of heaven. Instead, let us find a balance between Heaven's future hope and earth’s present purpose. For in both, we can find God within. And in both, we can find a unique beauty. For in a life well enjoyed, is a life spent loving God’s creation. And in a life quick as a vapor, we come to know that death is not the end, but the beginning.
So begone crossroads, for I have a heavenly assurance. Might I find joy in the Lord, so that both heaven and earth can be deemed worthy, for both are spent with the One I love dearly. For I know which path to take, for the Way, the Truth, the Life lights the way.