John 14:1-3 Better Than a Treehouse

 

Before Jesus death, resurrection and return to heaven, He told His disciples:

1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:1–3, English Standard Version)

Today, some men took down an old black walnut tree in my yard. More significant to me than the tree itself was the treehouse I built in the walnut, over twenty years ago. When our kids were younger, I would lay awake at night designing the treehouse in my mind. Then in my off hours, I would build it. It took months to complete.

To keep it safe from little kids climbing into it unattended, it had a ladder that was hinged. The ladder was designed so that older kids could reach and pivot down to the ground, but little kids couldn't reach it on their own.

The ladder reached to a lower porch. From there one could climb to the upper treehouse itself--complete with a trap door entrance, a skylight, and multiple windows. 

What took months to design and build was torn down in minutes. When my daughter saw the video of it, she responded: "Literal destruction of our childhood." Maybe that's a bit dramatic, but being the sentimentalist that I am... I felt it just as strongly.

Have you ever calculated how much money you will will have earned--and spent--in your lifetime? It would astound you. That's just the money. Then there is the time, energy, emotion, and everything else that goes into a lifetime on earth. Then it's over in a moment. 

And yet... given the limitless time, power and creativity that Jesus has at His disposal, a far better life awaits us. Why would I settle for a treehouse?

Jesus, there are times that I wish You were still on earth. But I'm so glad that right now, You are getting a place ready for me to be with You forever. Give me patience and endurance to keep "rejoicing in hope" for that day when I'll finally be Home with You. Amen.

(See also: July 14, 2020 - 2 Corinthians 5:1 - Blessèd Demolition)