Longing for the city of peace

"Heaven is calling out to me...

my soul longs for the city of peace

i will walk with my God

i will touch His face

i will ever know His sweet embrace

i will cast down my crowns before His throne

as the angels are singing 'worthy are you Lord'"

We SoS'ers (Summer of Service volunteers at CCBCE) had a bonfire last weekend and we sang this song (among many others). The way that it reflects the intertwined desires in my own heart with the worthiness of God leaves me reminded that I'm not home yet and I am really longing for that city of peace and true rest - where distractions are gone and every tear caused by life's pain and struggle and sin is wiped away in the overwhelming presence of the One who made me. It's been a challenging summer for me, but as I pour out my experiences to others in stories of the summer and for myself in thinking of what has been and wondering what will come in the future, the reason for all I experienced comes clear. I don't know all the whys and hows or even all the whats of those experiences, but I know that this world is not home. Though I do want to see this world be a better place, the world is not the ultimate goal. Social change is great, but change of lasting value happens in each person as they are reconciled with the One who made them through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. He is the one who makes the lasting change... and it seems to be change that is as much or as little as we allow Him. And as He changes me, I desire Him more and more. He created each one of us for Himself - to need and desire to walk with Him closely and be filled with Him and nothing else we use to fill that need will satisfy. Have you ever had a really nice hug? Someone gave me one today and it made me think of this... I bet God gives incredible, amazing hugs... and I'm looking forward to the day when I will ever know His sweet embrace. And when everything we do in this world, hoping to bring glory to His name, will be rewarded with the chance to give glory yet again - casting a crown before His throne.

Worthy, worthy, worthy are You, Lord.