A Sense Of Longing

It was an Instagram post.
It was a picture of a peaceful place.
Boats were on the water.
The setting was so lovely.

The person who posted admitted that she is “off the grid.”
There were brief times of connecting again.
For the most part, she was experiencing quiet, and stillness, and rest.
I read her list of things that she is doing while she is away.

She is a writer.
She is a kindred spirit.
I can relate to her need for stillness and refreshment.
I can relate to her need to detach for a while.

I read her descriptive list.
She was not bragging.
She was not over the top.
She was creative and humble and it made me smile.

She admitted to eating more baguettes and cheese than she should.
She had lessons in watercolor from her sister.
She picked blackberries along the many hedges.
She admired the sunsets.

She had long walks.
She had deep conversations.
She ate delicious food.
She sang around a campfire and looked at the stars.

It was her last sentence that spoke to me.
Her last sentence spoke to something deep within me.
I pondered that sentence on my walk.
I prayed about that sentence as well.

I’d forgotten what true, deep, unencumbered rest felt like.

There it was.
Her words would not let me go.
I did not understand why those words mattered to me.
I could not discern why her words went down deep.

As I walked, I prayed.

Lord, I am not jealous.
Lord I am not envious.
Lord, I am not coveting a time like that.
Why does this matter to me so much?

In the course of three miles, a conclusion to my pondering came to mind.
My prayer to understand was answered.
It was longing that I was feeling.
It was an unanswered longing.

If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world. (C.S. Lewis)

I was not longing for that particular place my friend described.
I was not longing for those particular activities she engaged in while she is away.
I was not longing for the company of those people with whom she is spending time.
I was longing for true, deep, unencumbered rest.

C.S. Lewis understood.
When nothing truly satisfies in this world, we know that we were made for another world.
When we feel as if we are walking with two left feet, we probably are.
Even the best day and the most precious moments can leave us with a longing in our souls.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3;11)

God created man and woman and declared them, very good.
We have eternity imprinted on our hearts.
We were made in God’s image.
We were made to be with God.

Sin mars the very good that God created.
Everything here is a little off.
Everything here is  incomplete.
Everything here is a bit unsatisfying.

Yet, there is such beauty.
There is abundant joy.
There are glimpses of Heaven.
Nothing here lasts like it will last one day when we are Home with Him.

For now, we get only glimpses.
For now, we experience only snippets.
For now, we know that this life is not all there is.
For now, the sound of heaven is muffled.

God, in His goodness, pulls back the curtain every once in a while.
God, in His mercy, gives us a quick snapshot that whets our appetite.
God, in His loving kindness puts limits on our time here because we were created for there.
God allows us to experience that sense of longing, which is really a longing for Home.

It is not depressing to say those words.
On that contrary, it is a joy-filled statement.
Knowing that this is not our Home, gives us freedom to live and love well while we are here.
Knowing that eternity is in our hearts, we understand the longing we cannot articulate.

That true, deep, unencumbered rest I read about will only be truly experienced there.
Our Heavenly Home is where our longings will be satisfied.
Our Heavenly Home is where our deepest desires will be fulfilled.
Our Heavenly Home is where we will finally see God face to face.

There will be no more questions then.
Peace will be true and lasting.
The desire of our hearts will be standing in front of us with nail scarred hands.
The longing for Home will be fulfilled.

It took me three miles to realize why that last sentence hit my heart.
I understood what this precious woman was trying to convey.
She is “off the grid” so she can hear Him.
In the stillness, everything falls into perspective.

2 responses to “A Sense Of Longing”

1. This really hit home with me, especially about feeling something is “off”, even when we’re enjoying life or a special event. That is the longing or empty space that God has put in our hearts that only He can fill. What concerns me is that so many people don’t seem to recognize their empty space. For instance, a friend of mine who is an atheist but a great person anyway, recently read “The Book” which I lent her. It didn’t change her mind one little bit. I grieve for her, but I know that the Holy Spirit has to move within her for her to come to belief. I told her to ask God for belief in Him, as I think belief has to be an intention to some extent. Do you have any other ideas for what else I could say?

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   • Sue,
     You are right. A person can only understand and draw near to God with the help of the Holy Spirit. That effectual call is up to God but sharing the Gospel and talking about the Lord Jesus is up to us. There is nothing we can do to make someone believe but we can live our lives in such a way that our life IN CHRIST is attractive and something they want to pursue. I think the example of your life is the best thing for your friend to see. Being available to answer any questions she may have is also important. She may not ask you anything today or tomorrow, but you never know when she may come to you because she knows that you have strong faith. I know you will be there for her, ready to give a reason for the hope that you have.
     Blessings,
     Gina

     Reply