Recently, I made a few trips up to the Minocqua area, one on a Monday and the next a few days later with Ellen on a Saturday. As I was going along, I was enjoying seeing scenery that I usually didn’t see because the leaves were off the trees. But regardless of the time of year, there is always one thing I look for: the signs that inform me how many miles until I reach my destination. 

As followers of Jesus, we have a destination towards which we are headed: heaven. Sometimes, either due to personal challenges or frustration over the seeming increase of ungodliness in the world, we start wondering,  “When are we going to get there?” The answer? Whenever the Good Shepherd leads us there. And as we follow Him through this life, we learn to enjoy the journey, for He is with us. 

That doesn’t mean there won’t be difficult times, but it does mean that we should be careful not to miss the beauty and blessings along the way. Our Lord created us to enjoy life, and, when we are home in heaven, we will be able to do that perfectly. But there are still plenty of good things in this world to enjoy and celebrate, the greatest of which is that we have a Lord and Savior who goes right with us – not because He has to, but because in love He wants to. 

Jesus, lead Thou on Till our rest is won. Heav’nly leader, still direct us, Still support, console, protect us, Till we safely stand In our fatherland.

LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK #718, V. 4