Music Monday: “Weary Traveler” by Jordan St. Cyr
by: Debbie Waltz
These last few weeks have been a bit crazy as I’ve been getting used to my new way of life. While we feel fortunate to have found the regular caregivers we do, we are still adjusting to the agency’s procedures for locating backup caregivers in the event of illness or other unforeseen circumstances. You see, they usually send backups when the regulars can’t make it. This method is typically successful for their clients, given that most of them require assistance, such as the elderly or those seeking companionship. They do not have extensive experience caring for individuals with quadriplegia who require comprehensive assistance with transfers, companionship, and medication reminders. In these cases, my parents have to assist in the training process (essentially helping to get me up)
Having finished my women’s Bible study on wisdom, I’ve also begun reading a book about heaven for my church’s book club. This continues a discussion initiated in a prior booklet by Randy Alcorn, which addressed this topic. Similar to the smaller booklet, this book aims to provide answers to common questions about heaven, drawing on biblical references for support. He hopes that this will be the catalyst for a fresh passion and longing for heaven, serving as a reminder for Christians of their primary mission in life.
One of my favorite quotes so far is:
“What God made us to desire, and therefore what we do desire if we admit it, is exactly what he promises to those who follow Jesus Christ: a resurrected life in a resurrected body, with the resurrected Christ on a resurrected Earth. Our desires correspond precisely to God’s plans. It’s not that we want something, so we engage in wishful thinking that what we want exists. It’s the opposite—the reason we want it is precisely because God has planned for it to exist. As we’ll see, resurrected people living in a resurrected universe isn’t our idea—it’s God’s.”
Being human means that we are all inclined to our sinful desires and often will give in to satisfy them. This inclination towards immediate satisfaction often results in a lack of awareness of our everlasting home. We focus on aspects that we can perceive through our five senses, such as sight, sound, smell, and touch. Since we don’t have a concrete picture of heaven, we can’t dream about our future home. We should focus on the here and now. Right?
Wrong. As Christ’s ambassadors to a hurting and broken world, we are instructed to be present within the world, yet distinct from its ways. 1 Peter 2:11 says, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds on the day he visits us.” (NIV)
We were created for a greater purpose than just this life. Our sins are the reason we can’t fully realize that. That’s why the admonition in Philippians 4:8 is so important. It reads, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think upon such things”
Even though Jordan St. Cyr’s song speaks to our general journey in life, we should be aware of where we are going – a place that is just as real as the earth. It’s lacking nothing. Except sin.
Take heart if you’re a Christian and find the current state of the world confusing. That’s normal. You won’t be staying here forever. It’s simply a temporary part of the journey. Play this song and let your imagination go. Think of heaven: there are wonderful surprises ahead.