My weekly jogging route would lead me by a stretch of residential areas. These are rich and nice-looking maisonettes and high-rise condominiums.
As my jogs are usually in the nights, the warm lights that come from these homes would glimmer from their windows and balconies. And at times I cannot help but allow my thoughts to wander and imagine myself being in one of those units.
The desire for a family
In those thoughts, I would picture myself with my own family- a wonderful wife and maybe a couple of playful kids around me and just feeling close. Ha ha…
I think due to my dysfunctional background, the longing for a family is made greater. Hence, in the past I would be always looking for some intimate relationship in hope of creating that loving atmosphere called home in which I was deprive of. However, I was too immature and self-centred then.
Despite desiring for such a family that I could call home, I realised that I had neither the capacity nor the capability to sustain such a commitment and responsibility. Thus, almost all of my past relationships didn’t quite last as much as I wanted to.
I guess like anyone else, I too desire a family of my own; a place I can call home.
Home is in heaven
Fast forwarding to today, my desire for my own family in which I can call home has not change. However, the longing has been further extended with eternity in heart and mind, and with my identity rooted as His child in His huge spiritual family in which I am grateful for.
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:13-16
From scripture, I now understand and know by faith that my real home is not on earth, but in heaven. So what really matters most is not what I build here on earth as whatever I build here would eventually be temporal.
Home is where the heart is
I think adopting foresight with eternity in view has helped me live my live with contentment and with added perspective of long-term rewards versus short-term gains.
Now I view my life on earth as a “training and working ground” with whatever I build on earth today is actually an investment for my eternal home! And that’s where I got my sight on and where I am truly long to be- with my Heavenly Father.
Hence, what I should be building should not be made on “bricks and stones” alone, but built on people- the lives of those around me- focused on love and truth cos this has true eternal value. And to me, building His Church is that answer.
And of cos when the time is ripe to have a family of my own, I want it built around His Church! =P
Andrew: Inside & Insights 
Great article!
james:
Got disclosure that’s y “great article” rite??? Ha ha… =p
Build your journey on love for that is your eternal purpose, your rewards will be endless!
Well, I think it’s excellent how you opened up to share your desire for a earthly family (which most, if not all of us) will have, and how it was affected by your past.. and moreso, how your relationship with Jesus has changed your perspective into one that is “forward & eternal-looking”, that is, that you do have a spiritual family which is the church family. And that’s why you are willing to labor to build this family. 🙂
You’re right – Got disclosure that’s why great article. I guess everybody loves a little disclosure here and there… 🙂 That said, it is really a great article. Longing for a family called one’s own, I think, is something that almost everybody would want. How & when to get it is the challenge. I’m glad we’re called into the family of God where past is wiped clean & future is bright & clear.
Don’t say it, do it. Like the critic say bad things about Prosperity Gospel, yet, they do nothing. They are not that great after all. They look like those Israelite that Moses led out of Egypt, even God give them grace, they still murmuring. I remember that there is one guy told of this story, a pastor went to speak an inspiring message. The audience got inspired yet do nothing. The next week, the pastor repeat the same message, the next week, again. Until the one of audience got annoy, told the pastor off. The pastor say, it is because you guy have not do it yet.
From my point of view, I don’t side the pastor and the guy in this story, because the pastor may talk but he may or may not walk. It is important to talk and walk. No point teaching people hyigence while your left is digging the nose.