The Last Days

Are we in the last days? The end times the Bible talks about? Wars & rumors of wars....earthquakes and famines? Sure can seem like it but those aren't the last days on my mind. If THE last days are anything like these last days of Sabbatical, then there is great anticipation ahead, thankfulness for what has been and looking forward to what lies ahead.

Many Christ-followers live to anticipate and figure out the Biblical Last Days. They are mysterious, a bit foggy in our sight with clues and questions surrounding them. If MY last days are anything like THOSE Last Days, then I might have some insight into how to approach them.

One of my biggest lessons, I think, is this: Don't worry so much about tomorrow. A favorite scripture of those who find worry a close friend is Matthew 6:34...

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, 

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Tomorrow is coming. There's no stopping it unless today is THE Last Day and I have no control over that timing. I am enjoying today just like I've enjoyed each day this summer - even the day I nearly spent more days in Costa Rica (see Making An Exit). So here are some thoughts that come from this big lesson.

1. I know where I'm going next. It's a helpful thing. I remember one day in particular when Stephanie and I knew God was leading us to move from a place and we didn't have any idea where we were going. That fact caused stress. We're riding in the car and "our song" comes on - "I Will Be Here" by Stephen Curtis Chapman. One line says: "Tomorrow monrin' if you wake up - And the future is unclear - I....I will be here." I choked, literally. It hit me like a ton of bricks because that's where we were.

I know Cornerstone awaits me in a few days. I knew that 3 months ago as well as I know it 3 days from now. As certain as I've been about that, I can be certain about eternity. I don't fear tomorrow and I've been able to enjoy each day because I know what lies at the end. Am I as certain of eternity as I am of the end of the Sabbatical? God wants me to be I think.

2. Community. God created us to live in community with others. The community of my family - which has reconnected in new ways even as we've added one to our number this summer - has been a centerpiece of this time. But also the community of Cornerstone and the staff. I know of their love and support for this time. I know how capable the individuals and collective group are for ministry. It's important to have fellow travelers on this journey. I have been able to enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow because of them.

3. Sabbath is crucial. I've written on this numerous times and imagine I'll keep coming back to it. The big picture perspective and re-ordering of our hearts that Sabbath provides is an essential tool to keep us focused on Him. I've seen how I've allowed petty things to dominate my thinking and time. I've witnessed the truth of my dispensability creating a deeper humility. I imagine some people might say: "Back so soon!!" because of the great leadership and teaching Cornerstone has experienced this summer. In fact, I'm not sure how I'm getting into the building on Sunday morning. I have no key and have no doubt my door code is disabled. Maybe it'll be a sign!!

I've realized how easily God becomes shrouded in a fog of pettiness, busyness and concern for secondary things.

Sabbath - this longer Sabbatical in this case - has helped me re-gain perspective, re-new my call, and re-center my life to Jesus as Lord. He is Lord but life is good at helping us forget that. The Last Days don't matter as to when and how as much as my Lord matter today. If He's in the center of my life, last day or not, I'm good.

I'm going to think some more on this. Some of this will re-appear in a post on lessons learned  which I've been crafting all summer.

For now, I'm enjoying this last day. So much so that I'm off to capture a photo @ 2:22 p.m, which my family will appreciate - and laugh!