Heaven on Earth?

We are now settling in to our new home in California. We have enjoyed many things about our new location. We have been able to spend time with each of our three sons, and Bruce's dad. We have delighted in the cool mornings and evenings, and sleeping with our windows open. We have frolicked in our swimming pool and relaxed listening to its waterfall. The views from our back patio are even more stunning than we remember. Our new home is larger and more luxurious than the old. During our first visit to our new church we saw a number of familiar faces, and are looking forward to plugging in to ministry. However, we are definitely not living in paradise.

The prior owners took some of the window coverings we had expected to be part of our home purchase. When we arrived, the pool sweeper had stopped working, and algae had begun to form on the pool walls. The one room we were unsure of regarding its color turned out to be a very bright lilac (we have already begun repainting). We are having to adjust to the congestion, traffic, and high prices of living in California. We still aren't sure which box a number of things are in. We miss special people back in Texas.

All of this serves as a good reminder that there is no heaven on earth, and only discontent awaits if we try to find it. I don't think my mind can even conceive how wonderful heaven will be. That is where my heart needs to be centered, my mind and affections need to dwell, and my treasure needs to be deposited. But I thank God for the many pleasures He gives us in this life, family and friends that are dear, and I plan to gratefully enjoy each one of them.