1 Corinthians 2:9 – That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (NLT)

I love living in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, but I think that my heart will always be in Muskoka, Ontario, where my grandfather's cottage, nicknamed "Birch Haven" has stood since 1933. For as long as I can remember, as soon as school ended, my family would begin that five-hour journey to Birch Haven, a trip punctuated by numerous bathroom breaks, radiator cool-downs, and of course, ice cream stops.

I have wonderful memories of growing up in those summers in Muskoka, with family, cousins, and friends — swimming, boating, sailing, water-skiing, or just lying in the sun on the dock.

Today, for my own family, the journey is even longer: a five-hour plane ride to Ottawa now precedes the long drive to Birch Haven. Sometimes, the air travel is rough, and the drive late at night is exhausting. But the anticipation, as I get closer to the cottage, is still the same.

When my mother realizes it's me, she'll typically come running from the cottage, with arms open. As we hug together, I quickly forget how long the journey has been, the welcome and the promise of cottage life making it worthwhile.

Sometimes, our journey here on earth seems long. There are delays, times when the way is rough, times when we wonder whether it's all worthwhile. These are the times when we need to depend on God, our pilot, assured that He knows the way and will lead us to a safe haven — our eternal home. Jesus will be waiting for us there, running to meet us, arms outstretched, for He has gone ahead to prepare the mansion, a room that has been waiting for us since the beginning of time. When we are welcomed into our Saviour's loving arms, we will forget the journey — for finally, we are home.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for taking care of us each day as we journey through life. Continue to guide us through the times when we lose sight of the way, and bring us safely home. Amen.

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About the author:

Rick Potter <rpotte@hotmail.com>
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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