The tokens

Have you ever been away from a loved ones for a while? Or maybe you have had to go on a business trip without your family, and loved ones. I have done this many, many times. It started of course with youth ministry and taken them away to camp or ski trips or different trips along the way. I pack all of my things, get my necessities and my comfort items all in the bag and get ready to leave. I leave, get to my destination and start unpacking my things so that I can organize what I have(I'll admit sometimes it all stays in the bag). But, I'll get my shirts and put them in one spot, the pants, shoes, socks, and underwear neatly put away where I can easily access them. then, I take my toiletries bag and place it on the sink in the bathroom so that I can have them where I need to use them. Always, I get all of that undone and realize that Tara stuck something extra in my bag. Every time without fail there is a picture of the three of them stuffed away in some pocket of the bag where I will be sure to find it. Many times there is even a note or a card from them telling them that they love me and can't wait till I am back home.
God sent His SOn to die on the cross for us because of His love for us. He sent His Son to walk the earth, to live amongst us. But, in order for His fulfillment of prophecy and for our sakes, He had to die and rise again. Therefore, JEsus was separated from us once again. So as a token, tucked away in our hearts we have the Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Where do we find our hope and our strength? In the fact that God poured out His love into our hearts with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Not just a picture of His love, or a trinket or a small token of it. But a living, empowering and moving Spirit to live inside of us and guide us through life's paths. To give us guidance, and to strengthen us while we are apart.
So just like those pictures I look at when I miss home the most, dig into your heart and know that God is empowering you to get on with life no matter what it is sending your way.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!