A Tent Or A Cottage

Sunday, August 3, 2003

Romans 8:17a – If we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. (NIV)

Although I've spent many hours observing nature, I can't say I've done much camping in my adult life. My husband loves his creature comforts, and, although he enjoyed vacations at a cottage, he had no inclination to sleep in a tent. However, one year when our girls were young, my mother-in-law offered to watch the children for a week, if we'd like to get away on our own.

We thought of all the places we'd like to go, but our budget wouldn't stretch that far. Finally we came up with the idea of tenting. This would fit our budget, allowing us the money for an occasional meal out and a game of golf. Our friends heard of our venture and loaned us their camping gear, so we packed up our car, and headed for New Hampshire and Vermont.

The night was warm and starlit, a beautiful night to start our camping adventure. "This might be fun," we agreed. On Sunday, we were in the Green Mountains, and, as we'd been travelling all day, we decided to attend the little church near our campsite that offered an evening service.

The people greeted us warmly, and, although we didn't know them, we recognized them as brothers and sisters in Christ. Together we sang hymns of praise and read scripture. Suddenly, a clap of thunder shattered our serenity. The heavens opened, and it started to pour. Over the noise of the storm, the song leader announced the next hymn, but the words of the last verse took on a new significance to my husband and I:

    A tent or a cottage, why should I care.
    They're building a palace for me over there.
      ("A Child of the King", words by Harriet E. Buell)

No matter what storms come in our daily lives, we have the blessed assurance that God is in control, for we are children of the King of kings!

Prayer: Dear God, remind us how much You have loved us, how much You care, and that You are in control of our daily lives. Amen.

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About the author:

Elaine Ingalls Hogg <authorhogg@yahoo.ca>
Smiths Creek, New Brunswick, Canada

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