Surrounded by Beauty

Hebrews 3:12-14 -- See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.

Yesterday, I sat and wrote a blog concerning feelings of loneliness I have encountered since returning from Israel.  I received a response from a dear friend, the one pictured with me in the picture above, which had me rejoicing in the fact I shared what was in my mind.  My sweet friend, whose heart and mine have been melded together from this incredible journey, understood and yet offered a perspective I had not considered while I was wallowing in my loneliness.  This change of perspective, another new lens from which I can view my circumstances has left me feeling even more thankful for the trip to Israel, Bible World Seminars, my fellow pilgrims, and most importantly for the God of Abraham and Isaac who beckons me, "Come."

Allow me to share the beautiful perspective my friend encouraged me with (I italicized some portions):

You write so well the thoughts and emotions I am experiencing. Granted, I am in TN in close proximity to fellow sojourners but hear me say loneliness is a very apt word to describe the overwhelming emotions. Life's too busy and I too am thankful for technology to stay connected.

As I try to keep a positive perspective on this loneliness, I've come to realize that I this is the kind of encounter with the Living God that I pray I never get over! So in that, I'm going to revel in the loneliness, the haze, the longing to go back! Having never been to Heaven, I can't fully understand or imagine what it will be like yet I long for it. In a lesser, earthly sense that would be like longing for Israel...having met God there in the most profound way. We aren't made for this world...be that TX or TN...we are made for the NEW JERUSALEM!

Our appetites were whetted by our intimate encounter with our Father, His Son, and; His Spirit in the old Jerusalem. I'm going to change my vocabulary...what I've been calling my "loneliness" I'm going to hitherto refer to as my unique, so-very-personal blessing! Praying that others get to experience it! But understanding that if there is no one or 20 around me that get it, I will still sense that longing that can feel like loneliness.

I'd rather have this blessed loneliness than to never have experienced this new lens, and new way of relating to Him! Love you friend, so blessed to be wrecked with you! Let's keep longing for MORE of Him!

God quickly reminded me of how important his children are to him, and how important it is to keep our minds set on things above (Colossians 3:2)

*This picture was taking on top of the Herodium.  And we were instructed to wear hats, so forgive our stellar beauty underneath our awesome hats *grin*.