At the end of August 2017, my family moved from Canada to the Caribbean. Near and dear ones (and our packing company) looked on with barely concealed envy. 

We’re a few months in now, and it is apparent that this earthly paradise has its share of annoyances. Potholes instead of black ice. Mildew instead of snow. Bites to scratch instead of windshields to scrape. Long hours of queuing in place of frenzied multitasking. 

No matter what destination is stamped on your ticket, you will never find paradise on earth. When Eve and Adam chose sin over obedience, perfection grew potholes. Sin’s mildew spread through God’s creation, through our bodies, and our attitudes. It is cause for dismay, for sorrow—but not for hopelessness. In faith, by the Spirit, we repent. We fix our eyes on Jesus, who paid the price of our sin. We loosen our grip on the world. We join the queue of ancient believers who “did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. . . . They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:13,16). 

Today will disappoint. But rather than complain, Lord, help me confess: I am but a stranger here; heaven is my home.

And what a perfect place it is.