It is late May; the school semester is complete. Award ceremonies and graduation are coming up. I’m seven years old at a boarding school on a mountainside plantation in Colombia. My brothers are there, but Mom and Dad are not – I have not seen them for four months. I’m longing for home! I am giddily awaiting their arrival, but none of us knows the hour when it will occur. We keep busy throughout the day – getting chores done, polishing up special projects to put on display for our loved ones, eating meals, competing on the playground. By late afternoon my energy reserves are dwindling, but my anticipation keeps me where I can see the top of the mountain – at any moment they could appear. Suddenly someone says, “Hey, listen! Hear that!?” We identify the faint hum of an engine in the distance, it’s getting closer…closer, and…THERE! Dad’s Jeep truck with its white cab and blue stake body appears at the crest of the mountain road. At this point I’m jumping up and down, my brothers are running to the edge of the parking lot while dorm parents caution us to stay out of the way. I’m mustering all my energy to keep up with the others, eagerly anticipating Mom and Dad’s embrace! We’re going home!
My boarding school days were an experience of learning, discipline, stewardship, and perseverance. I knew it was not home; I was there temporarily. I knew the time would come that I would go home, and I looked forward to the day. Jesus has given us the same anticipation – he has gone to prepare a place for us. Here is his promise, “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). Until that day, we are “elect exiles” – temporary residents scattered around this blue orb, but with purpose and under his protection and privilege. So, “preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). It is a stewardship that requires perseverance – there is no question that it is a marathon, but “when the race is won, you will run into his arms.”*
May his grace and peace greatly increase toward you for the short journey ahead. Here is something that will contribute to that – join me in committing 1 Peter 1:3-9 to memory. As God’s self-disclosure – the word of Christ – dwells in you richly (Colossians 3:16), you will think his thoughts and gain his perspective. That is a grace of God. Also, “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). Run the race set before you with your focus set on the One who is the reward of your soul.
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*From Runner, by Twila Paris, ©1985 Warner Chappell Music, Inc
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