When I travel to work in the mornings, I see the most beautiful sunrises. God paints a different picture in the sky every dawn. The view in the mornings reminds me of how creative and wonderful my God is. This drive also takes me back to days gone by.
When our family rode to school in the mornings, my husband would tell the children that God had painted the sky just for him. This became a game in some ways because they would argue back with him that He had painted the sky for them. The youngest children especially enjoyed this contest.
God’s Creation is so amazing. I now carry some of my grandchildren to school, and we also admire the beautiful sunset many mornings. One morning we will see bright pinks, and on another, we will see soft shades of blue and orange. Occasionally, we will see a sunrise that is so amazing that it takes our breath away. One such morning occurred last week. The clouds were so fluffy and white. The sun was shining brightly through the center with its rays shooting out in all directions. A clear soft blue spot was in the midst of the light. It is the way I picture the sky to have looked when the Lord ascended into Heaven to be with His Father after His resurrection.
As God’s Creation often does, I began to feel so close to God. I began to ponder about my Heavenly Father. I thought, “What will the sky look like when Jesus returns?” I wonder if it might look the same way—bright lights shining around Him in every direction. It seems to say, “Come home, My children.” We don’t know what that day will be like, but it will be glorious.
When I arrived at school that morning, my co-laborers and I were discussing Jesus’ return while we waited for the bell to begin our school day. One of my friends said she was ready for Christ to return now. Heaven will be wonderful we both agreed.
Then I began to ponder again. What if it were today? Oh, there are many reasons I think it would be glorious. This world has become so corrupt and evil that it is hard to see a reason for the Lord to wait. I realize that according to Scripture there are no other events that are supposed to happen in order for the Lord to return. I am concerned about the world my precious grandchildren will grow up in. It breaks my heart to see what they must face. I hope we can teach them to be strong and shining lights for Jesus. I see that the persecution of Christians is becoming more and more prevalent, even in our once-considered free countries. In America, it is often illegal to give our opinions or to stand up for what we believe is right. We are considered terrorists in our own country. There are so many reasons I would like to see our Lord return today.
But reality hits very close to home. I teach the older children at our school. I looked around my classroom and wondered how many seats would be vacant and how many seats would still be occupied. I realized that many of my students may still be sitting in their chairs if the trumpet were to sound today. I became so convicted. Am I doing enough to ensure that each of these students has the opportunity to know Jesus? We have devotions every morning but have I really done enough to be sure each one knows the way to Heaven? What would they do? Would they know what was happening if suddenly some of us disappeared?
Our purpose, as God’s children, is to glorify the Lord and share the Gospel.
I then looked outside. What about my neighbors? What about the strangers on the street? What about my friends and family? What about the cashier at the grocery store? Am I sure they know Jesus? Are they ready if Christ would come today?
How can I be so selfish? Do we realize, as Christians, that if we do not share Jesus with the world that we are very selfish? How can we believe that the lost are dying and going to hell, yet we are not sharing Christ? Sometimes we get so busy doing good that we forget the main goal and reason we are here. Our purpose, as God’s children, is to glorify the Lord and share the Gospel.
Yes, Lord, come quickly! But, please give me just a little more time.
Mrs. Worthington has five children and twelve grandchildren. She serves as Principal of Pathway Christian Academy in Goldsboro