Living in Shadowland [Temporary Home]

Have you ever felt like you are living a dream … or a nightmare? My son asked me about it the other day.

And I had to admit, often my life seems surreal—and not always in a good way.

It’s as if reality is dancing just out of sight. Around the corner. Over the hill. Not far away but far enough.

It’s an inkling I have of something different, something better.

It’s a niggling sensation that this life I live isn’t everything or sometimes even something.

I can’t touch it or define it, but the feeling remains. A blurriness frames my life.

And no wonder.

In many ways we are living in a dream.

This life is but a wisp of the true life we were meant to live.

We were created to walk with God as Adam and Eve did (Genesis 3:8). To talk directly with Him. To personally interact with Him. I tremble to even think of such a thing!

Now, sin has formed a huge chasm between us. We are no longer allowed in His presence. We can no longer walk together in the Garden.

All we experience is a shadow of what should have been. A fleeting image of the glory we should have. A glimpse into the majestic presence of our Father.

But as surely as we were deposited in this Shadowland, all those who believe will be rescued. Jesus Christ, the bridge across the chasm—the only way back into God’s presence—is coming soon (Revelation 22:12). At any moment, we might wake in the arms of our Creator.

So when we murmur through the blur of tears that circumstances are not as they should be, we are absolutely correct—they aren’t. But we can take heart, on Christ’s return all that is wrong will be righted. All that is broken will be mended.

When we have no more strength to continue battling through the dark, God’s unmerited favor will shine just enough light for that next step and each one thereafter, until at last we find ourselves stepping out of the shadows into the blinding light of the Creator.

We will be awakened from this dream world and transported to a Room prepared for us. The Home we had been created for, bathed in God’s glory, to dwell with Him forever.

So don’t plant your roots too deeply on earth.

Instead …

“set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:13 NIV).

Because …

“what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18b HCSB).

For …

“… our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20–21 HCSB)

Share in the Discussion: At times, do you feel like you are living in a dream, as if this isn’t the life you were meant to live? Have you caught glimpses through the shadows of the way it should be? Are you ready to walk in the Garden with God?

I hope you enjoy this wonderful song by Carrie Underwood and touching video about our temporary home.

Linking with Ann Voskamp to express gratitude for 1000 (or more) gifts. Here are mine (#672–693) from this past week (view my entire list here):

• Early morning dance of sun & clouds; Crazy laughter while losing to my children; Beautiful service for fallen heroes
• Road tripping with my 3 boys; A glimpse of Iowa history; Kitties romping
• Fluffy seeds blowing in the wind; Night out with hubby; Found good home for rambunctious kittens
• Relaxing morning with my man; My sweet girl’s laughable antics of imitating; Opportunities to pray for others
• Owl hooting outside bedroom window; Regular writing schedule set; No health issues preventing me from going out in public
• Garden fully planted!; A walk thru the campground with 2 boys & Rach on tricycle; Critter treehole w/ nut casings
• Ready for VBS; Those with hearts for sharing Christ with children; Son fishing
• Promise of Heaven
  

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