Longing For Heaven

For the past four years, I've gone on a spring break trip with my Christian fellowship from college. Every year, when the spring break trip ends, I feel a mixed bag of joy and sadness. I'm joyful that I spent a great week with a dynamic and diverse group of people, talking about Jesus, co-laboring at a YoungLife camp together, and enjoying some warmer weather. But each year, I dread the day after spring break when I return to normal life, and I'm no longer surrounded by people. It might be an extrovert thing, but I think it's also a "longing for heaven" thing. 

As an extrovert, of course I love being around people constantly. It's how I refuel and feel energized. But I'm also made for community, and you are too!

In fact, before Adam and Eve sinned, God knew that man would need a companion. 

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
{Genesis 2:18}

The Bible even paints a beautiful picture of the fellowship and community of believers. This scripture occurs after Peter gives the first sermon after the resurrection of Christ.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common.  And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
{Acts 2: 42-47}

Community is an essential and necessary part of life as well as the Christian faith. It isn't good that we are alone. We need people. We need companionship. It is a blessing and joy. Fellowship helps us to see God's love, and it gives us an opportunity to share the love of God with others.  

However, fellowship and community this side of heaven are not perfect. People are still sinful, and we often sin against each other. But sometimes being in community can feel like a small slice of paradise, which is why I always feel sad at the end of spring break. 

I've been back for a week now, and I still miss getting to be in the woods with friends for a few days, but I can take delight in the fact that even with the bittersweet end of spring break, I will experience true paradise one day, praising and worshipping God alongside my brothers and sisters for eternity.