A temporary home for this special bird…as she awaits Justin and Anna!

Traveling the world as an airline pilot, I am often reminded of the temporary nature of this life. Our time on this earth is so very short, as both James (4:14) and the Psalmist (39:5) describe it:  “but a vapor…”

Trust me, a pilot’s life is not as glamorous as you may think! It is a constant revolution of doors:  airports, vans, hotels, then more airports and hotels. A hectic life of PUSHING…then w a i t i n g, while living and working among fellow travelers for days on end. A typical airline pilot is away from home, more or less, 14-18 days per month. At times he may go out (to work), not knowing where he is going… making it tough to pack!

When I travel, I take along (drag, really) a 21 x 14 x 8 inch wheeled suitcase and a large briefcase. Made of ballistic nylon, they contain plenty of pockets. I often marvel how I can get by for so long with my life stuffed into these two bags.  I believe its because I recognize my dwelling in this home-away-from-home is only temporary. Though I am content for a time – in unfamiliar surroundings, in foreign countries – interacting with strangers and pilgrims – I know that soon I will be home…with loved ones, and in my own home. What an awesome thought!

The challenges and inconveniences of life on the road, in a foreign land – on this earth – are more easily endured with the promise of a sweet homecoming. So too, as Christians, we are assured of the promises that await us in our homeland – that is, a heavenly country – that God, Himself, has prepared for us. This is the eternal perspective that we can have by faith in Christ and it brings great comfort and hope – wherever we are in the world physically – as it surely did our patriarchs in Hebrews 11 (8-16):

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;  for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God…

…These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. 

For Angelica…May these words comfort and encourage you in the mission fields of Mexico…and in the mission field of life. Thanks for caring for Miss M! Love, Aunt E

Angelica and Miss M!