For everyone who dreams of living in California, Florida, Hawaii or some other tropical paradise or who think, “If only I lived somewhere else, I’d be happy,” this blog is for you to ponder.

Gayle and I moved to Florida nearly 10 years ago now. Through my work, I’ve had opportunity to stay at the finest resorts Florida has to offer. Gayle and I have had dining experiences at the nicest water front restaurants on both the east and west coasts of Florida. Yes, God has blessed us far more than we deserve. On top of that, though we don’t live on the water, we have been blessed with a beautiful home, so that when we return from an adventure we feel like we live in a paradise type place.

We have had those adventures where you think, “I hope this never ends.” The problem is they always do! There is still only 24 hours a day living in paradise and they go by just as quickly as anywhere else! God has planted eternity in our hearts! Somehow in the blink of an eye, since living here, I went from 50 years old to 60 years old!

During our decade here, life has had its ups and downs. Struggles, physical, mental and emotional still exist. Relational challenges, financial challenges and every other challenge you have anywhere else still happen on a regular basis. Twice a year in Florida we have love bug season. For several weeks spring and fall these lightning bug like bugs come out thick and they are nasty. They are just a reminder this isn’t really paradise yet.

God designed us to live forever. That is what we are really seeking when we want to live in paradise. We want our forever home and it is not to be found on earth. I believe God gives us glimpses of what heaven will be like in those fleeting moments when everything is right but they don’t last long here.

I’d like to encourage you to seek to know Him, who is life. Look forward to a future where there will be no more sorrow, pain or death and God will wipe all tears from our eyes. Let life’s struggles cause you to look to Him, who is life. Let those moments of paradise remind you there is a future place beyond your wildest dreams waiting for those who KNOW God, through Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Scott