Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13:1 ESV)

When I learned that my final destination would be heaven because of Jesus, my outlook on life dramatically changed for the better. I felt much lighter and very relieved because God gave me something to look forward to. There is life beyond this earth far better than I can ever imagine.

This “knowing where I’m going” mindset changed my attitude. I felt reassured and confident that the Lord was keeping me close to him now. Somehow everything was going to be okay. I was becoming more thankful, joyful, and loving, and yes, even more forgiving.

One day, I was shuffling through a bunch of photos printed over 20 years ago and I saw a very different me. Yes, I gained a few pounds, but my heart was in a far off place, searching for identity and purpose. I don’t know where I would be today had not God grabbed a hold of me.

It is a blessing that our Father reminds us that we are his children and our home is with him. It is comforting to know that he gives us an abundance of grace and love each day. And it is an awesome truth that he is powerful and in complete control of everything. What is breaking news to us is never a surprise for him.

What a privilege it is to read Scripture and to understand what he is saying to us! His words are to be held close to our hearts so they make a permanent impression. And as we meditate on God’s goodness and promises, we can release our worries and concerns to him. His Holy Spirit is our Counselor and he reminds us to pray instead of being anxious.

Jesus knew where he was going. He knew his death would not be his end because that is what his Father told him. He loved his disciples until his life on this earth came to an end. And if we were to follow his example, would we be able to do the same for the people in our lives? Would we love them until the end also?

Why wouldn’t we? We know where we are going, right? If we believe heaven has been promised to us, then there is no reason for us to live like spiritual orphans because we have a Dad and a home.

So how then shall we live today? And what about the next day? I am humbled and even more thankful just by thinking about this. I sure hope someone asks me about the hope I have for today. They need to hear about Jesus and the remarkable love he has for them.