When I was doing my rural rotation in Benalla, I had a day with the vet to make farm calls. As we drove between farms, big open spaces like you only see in movies were just right there in front of my eyes: white birds gliding serenely against a backdrop of grand rolling green hills and endless clear blue skies, and dew still on the grass beneath; while the cool yet gentle breeze sent my fringe all a-flying. I was in wellingtons and farm garb, experiencing one day in the life of a vet.
That day, I had a glimpse of what heaven would be like.
The difference between the old Narnia and the New Narnia was like that. The new one was a deeper country; every rock and flower and blade of grass looked as if it meant more. I can’t describe it any better than that: if you ever get there you will know what I mean.
It was the Unicorn who summed up what everyone was feeling. He stamped his right forehoof on the ground and neighed and then cried: ‘I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now. The reason why we loved the old Narnia is that it sometimes looked a little like this.
CS Lewis, The Last Battle
The reason why we long for certain things in this world and find them hard to let go of when the time comes is just that – that they bear a strong resemblance to our Home Country, and it just feels so wrong and heart-wrenching to have to let go because our Home Country will be ours – not only for a moment or a season – but for eternity.
And it is in times like these (very much needed to jolt us awake), that we feel rather Homesick… when longings go unfulfilled and goodbyes need to be said.
That day, I had a glimpse of what heaven would be like.
The difference between the old Narnia and the New Narnia was like that. The new one was a deeper country; every rock and flower and blade of grass looked as if it meant more. I can’t describe it any better than that: if you ever get there you will know what I mean.
It was the Unicorn who summed up what everyone was feeling. He stamped his right forehoof on the ground and neighed and then cried: ‘I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now. The reason why we loved the old Narnia is that it sometimes looked a little like this.
CS Lewis, The Last Battle
The reason why we long for certain things in this world and find them hard to let go of when the time comes is just that – that they bear a strong resemblance to our Home Country, and it just feels so wrong and heart-wrenching to have to let go because our Home Country will be ours – not only for a moment or a season – but for eternity.
And it is in times like these (very much needed to jolt us awake), that we feel rather Homesick… when longings go unfulfilled and goodbyes need to be said.
Yet when Christ was still on earth, He said:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
John 14:1-4
Soon and very soon, my King will come.
Until then, let not Homesickness hinder the joy that has been set within our hearts, and let us work while it is still daytime.
*FYI, I've always wanted to be a vet most of my life... and in some ways, still do*
