Almost Home

     I remember the trips we took as a family when I was young. Do you remember how it always takes forever to get somewhere when you are a child? All the "Are we there yet's?" and "How much longer's?" Sometimes I'd fall asleep, lulled by the road noise, or my parents humming in the front seats. Often, I'd be suddenly jarred awake by a sudden braking or an abrupt turn.
    Finally, when I asked, "Are we there yet?" one of my parents would say, "Almost!" and I would sit up, still half asleep, and look for familiar landmarks. 

    I've been reminded lately of those childhood trips. In many ways, it feels like I've been jolted into awareness. As I look at the world around me and the many tragedies that are taking place, it is easy to tremble in fear. Or maybe you feel like hiding your face and falling back asleep, ignoring the implications. But they're all there- all the landmarks we've been told to look for.

    On every hand we see kingdom rising against kingdom, famines, pestilence, and many fearful sights. The list could go on. It doesn't take much reading of the news to make one wonder what this world is coming to. Yet in Matthew 24:6 we are clearly told "see that ye be not troubled." How? How are we not to be troubled in these perilous times?

    Quietly a peace stole into my heart as I pondered these things. I remembered that time and life have always been a journey with an end and a destination. Perhaps these sudden turns have been put in the road to jolt us awake. Maybe all the disasters I see unfolding on every hand are not something to fear, but rather a message from on high. "See that ye be not troubled, Child, these are the landmarks I've told you to look for. Do not fear, for you are almost home."

    I do not know what the future holds, but God does. I want to look around me, not with fear, but with a joy and peace that comes from knowing God is guiding me all the way, and I am almost home.