St. Francis said to his friends at the end of his earthly life: “Let us begin now, because so far we have done nothing.”
In light of eternity, he wasn’t wrong. There is so much more God has for us. We clamor like toddlers on earth, too often distracted by bright shining objects while our heavenly father smiles with delight each time we take a step forward.
Our destination? “This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent.” (John 17:3)
Knowing Jesus is not a one-off transaction. It is a relationship that that sweeps you off your feet and launches you on a journey that never ends. A million years from now I will be growing in my relationship with him and everything I do down here is a baby step toward knowing him more.
When he says “take up your cross and follow me” what he is saying is toss the baggage and “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matt. 11:29 MSG)
Every day is a new beginning. He is risen so we too can rise to follow him!
