Thankful Thursday: Eternity

I don't really have any idea what to write this week. Our country has selected a new president. I have mixed feelings about some of the election results, and about many of the conversations I've had over the last several weeks with people. I have surprised others and myself with some of the conclusions I have come to. I have grown weary of defending first my indecision and now the decisions I've made. I have been encouraged by some conversations and been angered by others. I have to remind myself that God's grace is more than sufficient for the shortcomings of sinners... and that I am constantly in need of that grace.

Yesterday, a friend and I were discussing faith and the election and some of the tougher questions Christians have faced this week. (In California, we voted on state propositions about abortion and gay marriage.) I'm reasonably certain that we voted differently on some issues, but we didn't talk about our differences. Instead, we talked about trusting in a great God and about the challenges we face as Christians in an increasingly broken world. About how we each bear the responsibility of being the hands and feet of Christ in the world.

At some point, the conversation turned to eternity. My friend mentioned anticipating a time when there will be answers for all the mysteries beyond human comprehension. I commented that when my heart is heavy with the weight of sin and brokenness in this world, I find myself longing for eternity, for a time when all things will be set right and there will be sin and brokenness no more. Ahhhh. My soul is calmed by this thought. My soul was calmed by a conversation that rejoiced in the sharing of a belief that God is good and in thankfulness for His blessings, instead of yet another stressful discussion about politics.

I am thankful this election is over. I am more thankful for a God whose wisdom and guidance and love transcends time and place.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11