I've been thinking ...

All of our joys, struggles, dreams, disappointments, hopes, tears, laughter, friends, relatives, hobbies, marriage, vocation, family, church, mountain tops, and valleys ...

For most of us living on planet earth, ALL of these things are an intregal part of our daily lives, or one day will be. And while each of these things are very important and meaningful, and not in any way to be taken lightly, they are also not "ends" in themselves, for this world is not our final home. Each of these things are a glorious backdrop our Savior uses to draw us closer to Him and conform us ever more into His image during this lifetime, until that appointed time when, because of His mercy and grace, we will join Him in heaven for all eternity.

I want to come back to this often. I tend to want to savor each moment in life and live it to its fullest. And I think there's nothing wrong with that, and life in itself is a gift God has given us; I just want to also keep "the end" (or beginning!) in sight and remember what it's all about.