Reflectionary V

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing;

everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

The older we get, the more we pine for the days of our youth, or that is, for youth itself. The memories of playing on our street with good friends; of family events with lots of cousins running around; of young love; the birth of our first child, and experiencing all of his and her events and activities; our grandchildren when they visit . . . 

I pine for my Autumn Lane Neighborhood, and my good friends there, that I would see every day, that I grew up with. I long for one more overnight stay at the Turnbow Farm with my cousins; or one more Darr Christmas Party while Grandpa and Grandma were still living, except that the family members that came later would be miraculously transported to that time and place, so that they would understand what we're talking about.

The Kingdom of God is like that. It is like going back to those times. Our wonderful event of the future, will be just like going back to the best days of our lives. Therefore the redeemed of the Earth "shall return."

It's too bad "Zion" has taken on such a politically-charged meaning. It's only talking about that return - going back to glory days, to plenty, to peace and happiness. And no matter what culture you come from, this is something everybody wants.

It is something worth waiting for. If you could return to the very best of life . . . . wouldn't you think it worthwhile to become one of the "ransomed"?