“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Phil. 3:20-21
A few weeks ago, our pastor, Dr. Trent Langhofer, encouraged us to pause for a moment and think about our “happy place”. He described his as being in his backyard pushing his children on their swingset and enjoying the laughter of their little voices and the contentment of being with them and his beautiful wife. I, too, thought of my happy place as being with my family. I thought of my husband, Jase, and I at home in our living room listening to our three musically gifted children singing while they played the piano and guitar. I honestly could sit all day watching and listening to them work together to explore the world of music. No phones, no television. Just us.
I got another glimpse of a “happy place” when Jase and I had two romantic nights and a glorious day at Pebble Beach in Monterey, California. We were blessed enough to enjoy this experience together, just the two of us, before starting a whirlwind of a media tour surrounding my new book “Blessed Blessed…Blessed”. Playing at the famous Pebble Beach golf course was a dream of Jase’s, and I happily accompanied him on this adventure. To say the views surrounding each hole were breathtaking is definitely an understatement. The cliffs, waves, and lush greens of this landscape validated every aspect as to why this golf course is sought after by the world’s most talented golfers. Being able to witness and experience these sights and sounds as well as walk the famous 18th hole with my husband as he soaked in his own experience will unquestionably be one of the fondest memories I will hold of our relationship.
The reason Trent urged us to think of this “happy place” was to remind us that this world is not our home. As many wonderful experiences we have on this earth, we should be longing to be in heaven with our Father and Savior Jesus Christ. He asked us to think hard about where we would truly rather be. Psalm 84:10 says, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” I believe that you have to grow in your faith as you experience life’s circumstances in order to long to be with your Savior. This life can be hard, punishing and detrimental at times.
Our daughter, Mia, who was born with a cleft lip and a cleft palate, has been surrounded by doctors, surgeries, medical devices and riveting physical challenges since the moment she was born. She has known no other life. Yet, she has chosen to roll with these punches every step of the way. I, on the other hand, as her mom, find it difficult to deal with the heartache of watching my daughter in so much pain, swelling, and disappointment when it comes to her sacrificing the things she loves to do. However, these circumstances have made me search for God even more than I did before she was born. They make me long for Him. They make me want to be with Him in heaven. I didn’t realize just how much I longed for Him until Trent challenged us in this way. He asked us to dig down deep and be honest with ourselves. Would we rather spend one day with Him where there is no heartache, no pain, no disappointment, but rather complete healing, acceptance and love than a thousand days in our “happy place” here on earth? Yes! My answer was “Yes”! I long for that place where my daughter will be done with pain, done with surgeries, done with sacrifice. I long for new bodies for both Mia and me. I long to be complete with my Savior, who gave up everything for me because he loves me that much.
But while I long to be with Him in heaven, I must also realize that He has entrusted me here on this earth to do His work. I can’t give up. Paul also says later in Philippians 4:13 that “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” God wants us to need Him and rely on Him. He also gives us such joy in things like our “happy places”. What an incredible creation Pebble Beach is! What an incredible creation family is! Thank you, Lord, for our “happy places”. And thank you, Lord, for heaven.
(Previously submitted to Lifeway.com)
Comments
Carole morgan:
Thanks Missy, as a Grandma of nine, I choose not to fear the future, as God is with us
Mar 27, 2016
Marilyn:
“When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus we’ll sing and shout the victory!”
Missy I know you know that song too. Those were the words that came to mind as I read your post. Thank you for this encouragement today.
Mar 23, 2016
Tala Abell:
Blessings to you Missy. You are truly an inspiration to many. May the good Lord continue to bless you and yours and meet all your needs whatever they may be.
Blessings from California,
Tala
Mar 22, 2016
Maria:
I was born in cuba. I came to this country when i was 6. I am amother of 3, and 3 beautiful grandchildren. I’ve been married for fourty years. My husband is a retired Lt with sherif off. I’m looking at retiring in June. My insides are twisted about a our future. Political everyday lies and more lies are doing me in. Your soothing words seen to calm my soul. I hope you continue using your wisdom and the goodness in you heart. I’m sure I’m not the only one who you are helping. Life is hard and so scary and so unexpected. My parents experienced communism first hand. The lost everythig. To come to this wonderful country. My father would tell us "you are Cuban by birth, but American by the grace. I enjoy what you have to say. Thank you and may God bless you.?
Mar 22, 2016
Regina Gregson:
This is beautiful! I too long to have my “happy place” in Heaven with my Lord and Savior! You and your family are such precious examples of God’s love. Thank you for your positive example in such a torn world. May God continue to bless you!
Mar 22, 2016
Sharon Lindsey:
Thank you Missy :)
Mar 22, 2016
Haley :
What a day it will be when my Jesus I shall see! What a glorious day!!! Love this blog post! Better is one day spent with Jesud than ANYWHERE ELSE!!!! I long for that day!!! I love all the Robertsons! Of course I love the shows! And that’s how I learned about y’all. But I have also read every book each have wrote and it is so amazing the adversity y’all have faced . Each different and difficult at its own level BUT yet YOU ALL leaned to God and let him carry you through it and help you work through it ALL for HIS GLORY!!!! Not just one of two of y’all ALL of y’all!!! That right there is WHY I love y’all!! That is inspiring and that is true Christian character! I know you hear it so much that it probably sounds like a broken record but I truly love your family and we pray for y’all a lot!! Would love to meet y’all one day!!! My kids just love y’all! Thank y’all for being the hands and feet for Jesus in Hollywood…. In the social media world. In entertainment!! Thank y’all for standing strong for Jesus and NEVER backing down and thank y’all for LIVING what you preach!!!! Keep inspiring others!!! Missy, after reading your book I have a new respect for you!!
Mar 22, 2016
Meredith:
Just wanted to share with your family I know you receive many messages this is vey close to my heart you see your beautiful little girl is and inspiration as is my wonderful God Daughter it takes a strong mind to go thur this journey I would like for y’alls little girl to know this my God Daughter is very happily married wonderful husband and a beautiful little girl of her own she amazes me I could not be more proud of her it’s not an easy journey by know means but you will have a wonderful life … Just wanted to share this with her and maybe this will give her hope and help her a little
Thanks
Meredith
Mar 22, 2016
Keeley Frazier:
Thank you so much for this inspiring message! This will really help me to get through hard times and keep a positive mind. I appreciate this a lot and thank you and your family so much. You all have inspired me to be a better person and your show is so funny and relatable. Thanks again!!!
Mar 22, 2016
Hannah Hearn:
I just wanted to say that this is exactly what I needed to hear this morning. I’ve been dwelling on everything around me that is of the world and the worldly people in it. But what I need to focus on is my relationship with God and helping to fellowship with non-believers. my happy place is when I play sports. I can share the Gospel with my teammates and I never thought of it that way. Thank you so much!!
Mar 22, 2016
Leave a comment