Until very recently, I lived in a place called Blissful. Just as the name would imply, it was a terrific place to grow up.
So nice in fact, that you may find it hard to believe that since I left it, I’ve never wanted to return.
Seems strange, I know. Why would anyone ever want to leave? Peaceful, prosperous…not perfect maybe, but what place is, this side of heaven? The people of Blissful care deeply for each other, and spend time together in fellowship (awesome potlucks), meaningful worship, and inspiring bible studies, youth group activities, & baby showers.
If you come from a place like Blissful, I probably don’t need to say much more. You already know what it’s like. A welcoming place where everyone is loved and cared for, warm and fed. Why would anyone want to leave Blissful?
Certainly not me.
No one has ever really wanted to leave this comfortable place. Well, Grace being the exception. Grace has always wanted the best for me, even though we don’t always see eye to eye. For as long as I can remember, Grace took up residence in Blissful.
But you can count on Grace to always be on the move.
It should have been no surprise when one day Grace gently led me beyond the skies of Blissful to a place on the outskirts of the city. We climbed a hill so high that, from the summit, I could see farther than I’d ever seen before.
The view was not what I expected. I’d always known that other people didn’t live in places like Blissful, but I have to admit, I wasn’t prepared for the reality.
I saw was misery…everywhere. Destruction. Disaster. Death. Lost and despairing people. Ruined lives. From the top of the hill, to this place where Grace led me, I could also see how close the ugliness came right up to the grassy borders of Blissful, even up to the very edge of the city. So close…
How had I not seen this before?
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