For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1

Damp towels hung on clotheslines, the smell of roasting hotdogs permeated the air, and radios played country music softly in the background of the campground as families played cards or horseshoes.  Our family was touring on our bicycles through this campground during the Memorial Day weekend in Wisconsin.   Mitch, our youngest, had just learned to ride his bike without his training wheels a month earlier so this new stage of our lives had been a delight:  bike rides without training wheels, bike carts, or bike seats.  We traveled at a nice steady pace throughout the campground.   As we toured, I observed the campsites.  Some sites had huge motor homes while others had small tents.   Often, I saw centerpieces of fresh flowers in vases on picnic tables. These flowers created a more cozy and comfortable looking abode.  Children rode their bikes and played on the playground.  It appeared everyone was making the most of their visit at the campground.  They were relishing their time away from home, but it was obvious that each individual campsite was a temporary living arrangement.

Struck by what I was viewing, I asked myself if I was truly making the most out of my temporary living arrangement here on earth.  Did I create an environment where loved ones and visitors could flourish? Was I putting my personal touch on my home furnishing making it warm and cozy? I finally asked myself if I was truly living like I knew earth is not my eternal residence.  With a contented heart, I reminded myself of the truth that earth is not my destination.  Like the campers at the campground, I too, am just a visitor.  I rode away from the campsite grateful for a future in heaven, my permanent residence.

Father God, thank You for the hope that we have knowing that heaven awaits us when we leave this earth. Amen.