I recently had the opportunity to spend a handful of days traveling through Europe -- London, Rome and Paris. It was all kinds of wonderful, but one thing I'll share here is how pleasant it was to hear English after going days and days in lands where unfamiliar tongues prevailed. It was refreshing, relieving and comforting.
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. - Hebrews 11:13-16
I am reminded that I am a sojourner on this earth, and that I am headed to a land whose tongue will make the language I speak and write with approximate fluency here seem strange and awkward.
That better country will have a tongue that will resonate with me in a way that no good book, quote or lyric will ever be able to do here. A single syllable will unravel the heavy, convoluted mess of ineffable emotions I've been hauling in my heart for so many years, to reveal a sublime tapestry of brilliance and understanding. I will immediately realize that I am truly known and, indeed, have always been known by the love I've been aching for my whole life. My heart will melt with concurrent waves of sorrow and joy until all that's left is throbbing worship.
When I hear those first words of welcome, I'll know that I'm finally home.
