09-06-01  ::  Leavin’ on a jet plane…

Never have I been so heartbroken… I was sitting in my seat (07A) on the plane, looking out the window at Martie. There she was, behind the floor-to-ceiling windows, and I could see her emotions etched on her face. I could make out her furrowed brow, her big, sad eyes, and her pouting lips… and I wanted to cry.

It’s times like this that I think about what it must have been like for Jesus’ disciples… here he was, back from the dead, but forty days later he was leaving again. He told them he’d be coming back soon, and that he’d be coming back for them… but did that satisfy them? Does it satisfy us? I want Him here now. I know He’s with me in Spirit, but sometimes that’s not enough. I want to see Him… to hug Him… to watch Him smile. In the same way, it’s often not enough for Martie and me to talk on the phone, or on AIM… we long for the others’ physical presence in much the same way we both long for Jesus’ physical presence.

Long-distance relationships are hard – just ask any Christian. We have a long-distance relationship with our Groom – Christ Himself. We long to be with Him, and eagerly await His return. "Come quickly, Lord."