The other day I needed to call somebody, but my smartphone was not cooperating. My phone was acting glitchy in a way that would not allow me to unlock it so I could find the correct phone number and then actually call that person. I couldn’t help but laugh that 5 or 10 years earlier before I owned my first phone number, I wouldn’t have had this problem. I memorized essential phone numbers. And as far as I can remember, our wall phone never went on the fritz. It was tempting to think about “the good ole days.”
The good old days, I’ve heard that phrase a time or two. It is human nature to look to what is better; we are a creature yearning for hope. But much like with the famous catchphrase, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” we are simply looking in the past we do not remember all the events accurately. Ecclesiastes 7:10 says, “Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this." When I honestly consider it, I'm thankful for my smartphone. It has been years since I’ve heard a busy signal. When I pick up my phone to make a call, I don’t accidentally interrupt my sister's conversation. Long distance calls no longer cost absurd amounts. I don’t have to keep spare change on my person for a pay phone if I get stranded. As time moves along, it is easy to whitewash the past.
Do you sometimes wish you could live in another time or another place? I long for the days when I can say the grass is greener on this side, in Heaven.
During the sermon on the mount in Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus said “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’…but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Our home is in Heaven; we should look at this world like the old hymn that said, “I’m just passing through.” When we honestly look forward to that bright and blessed day in heaven, there is no incentive to look back on the past that cannot compare.
Let your light shine!