Paradise – a fleeting illusion.
The waters and winds are warm under the ever-present sun. The jades, greens, blues and turquoises of the ocean and bay waters are so vivid, even Crayola can’t copy them. Life is slow, fun, full of community and activity and stress and responsibilities are greatly eased. Life is good – paradise is found… well... maybe momentarily, but true paradise isn’t here on earth.
It’s impossible to escape difficult and hurtful things. While we bask here in a temporal paradise, life’s trials go on.
Earlier this week our son stopped two robbers from getting very much of their personal belongings. We’re proud of his strength and agility to capture one. He had the other as well, but the robber’s blow to our son’s head left a gash above his eye that took 6 internal and 5 outside stitches to close the wound. We are grateful for God’s protection over him and his family and an blow to his head that missed his eye.
Missionary friends of ours live in Ecuador. Their daughter and son-in-law (Andy) and two young grandsons are missionaries in Russia. Early this week Andy fell during a hiking incident. He has multiple broken bones including a leg and ankle but his most serious injuries are massive injuries to his face. After several days of consultation and work with their insurance company, Andy has been air lifted to Turkey and underwent the first of multiple surgeries over the next week or so on his face, and other broken bones which need resetting and pinning. As parents our hearts are with Andy’s families as they pray and wait many miles away from where Andy is receiving care.
So………..yes, life is a momentary and fleeting paradise at times, but true paradise lies at the end of this earthly journey. I will savor the moments here while being ever aware that true serenity lies beyond my earthly binding.
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