Last Updated on April 21, 2021 by Stacy Averette

Looking back through some of my writing from 2012 I found these words. I needed them again today. Maybe you need them, too.

A week ago at this time, I was strolling through the streets of New Orleans with Eric chatting about where we wanted to have lunch. I was keenly aware that the trip we had spent months anticipating was almost over. The days had seemed long and leisurely.  That’s how the pace is there. It’s one of the many reasons we love the city—especially the French Quarter.Jackson Square, New Orleans

We had enjoyed our trip and made the most of every day. We stayed in bed until we wanted to get up; drank coffee and ate beignets; sat on a bench in Jackson Square, Audubon Park, and by the river. We took naps, ate seafood, po-boys, and pizza.

Audobon Park, New Orleans, Streetcar, St. Charles Avenue, Tulane University

Mississippi River, New Orleans

But this Thief kept showing up. He was everywhere. When I least expected it he would creep in and sneak up on my carefree heart. The only thing he stole?  A moment of my attention.  In the midst of my enjoyment, I would feel a little sad because he was always saying “The End”. Sitting in a beautiful hotel lobby he was there. Drinking the perfect cup of coffee he was there. Listening to musicians on the street he was there. Everywhere and always with his same message–“The End”.

street music, New Orleans

Long leisurely days don’t last forever. Vacations end. All good things must come to an end. Right?

Wrong.

The Thief is a liar. “The End” is his. Not mine. And for him “The End” isn’t good.

“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:10

He was right about one thing–vacations will end as do birthday parties and good meals and winning streaks–but not everything ends.

“and he[Jesus] will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:33

Oh, and the best news! As the redeemed children of God, we get to be a part of that kingdom—forever. The good thing that will never end.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5

A week from now a lot of things will have ended. But I’ll be that much closer to forever.

 

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