I follow a lovely Facebook page that showcases older homes that are currently on the market. Along with more than 2 million other people, I scroll through pictures of these gorgeous and unique homes—homes that were built with interesting floor plans, nooks, crannies, walls of bookshelves, and loads of character. I sigh when I see that perfect kitchen, that storybook entrance, and that cozy fireplace. I dream about which room each child would call their own. I imagine get-togethers on that beautiful back patio.
From time to time, my curiosity begs me to take a peek at what’s available in my own area, and I often find some interesting houses. And I dream some more. Is this where I will sit and watch the sunrise with my cup of tea? Where will I put my garden? Is there room for a hen house? Will my children be able to run free in a wild, wooded backyard? Are there creeks nearby where they can get delightfully muddy? What colors will I paint the walls? Is there enough room for a home gym?
The popularity of the various house hunting and home improvement programs show I’m not alone. Most of us, if not all, are looking for something better. We hope for dream homes. We improve the homes we already have. In general, the human race is pretty optimistic that things will get better, no matter what issue it may be. It makes me wonder if there’s not more to it. Could we, as humans, be programmed to look for something better, something perfect for us?
2 Corinthians 4:17-5:1 says, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
I may never get a dream home. But as a Christian, I look forward to a home that is more than I could ever dream of. Something better—something perfect.
By Elizabeth Cook