In the midst of recent stress, conflict and hurt, it's easy to focus on the present and the here and now. I recognize that serious issues happen each day: abuse rages, discrimination and prejudice renew, and wounds deepen. In response, we cannot let the sickness debilitate us; we have to take action, playing a part in the restoration of this world.

Yet, we should not and cannot see this world as our eternity. God's love and strength continue to encourage me to take part in this dirty mess of a world while also promising to join Him in heaven after our short time here on earth.

Hebrews 13:14 says that this place is not our permanent home. We gaze in expectation at our home yet to come.

Carrie Underwood's "Temporary Home"is themed on this message. She sings:

This is my temporary home
It's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through
This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary Home.

In this lyric video, notice how hopeful and faith-filled these challenged people are.

Truthfully, I need to be reminded of this daily. Despite the Biblical teaching that our time here on earth is short, especially in light of eternity that follows, sometimes it feels like we are just crawling toward the finish. "Long Way Home" by Steven Curtis Chapman highlights this inner groaning we deal with each day, plus the hope of passing through this world.

When we can't take another step
The Father will pick us up and carry us in His arms
And even on the best days, He says to remember we're not home yet
So don't get too comfortable
Cause really all we are is just pilgrims passing through

Enjoy this neat, slightly comical but largely meaningful illustration of Steven Curtis Chapman's song:

Let this hope of a bigger, happier ending be what strengthens you to take action in this world. Remember your calling to work and glorify God and bask in the optimism of protection from the Lord and the expectation of going to your permanent, joy-filled home.