Take Me Away

Posted by Aaron | 0 comments

Do you remember those old TV commercials for Calgon bath products? They always featured some tired looking housewife, frazzled from her busy day, who just wanted a nice warm bath to take all her troubles away. The climax of the commercial was always when the lady yelled “Calgon, take me away!”

So, my wife and I celebrated our 12th Anniversary this past month. And to truly celebrate, we decided to do something that has become somewhat of a habit for us. We made plans to get away from work, the kids, the house, and everything else that weighs us down in our daily lives.

Before we could get away, however, we had to do some planning. First, we found a place we wanted to go, and then we booked a couple of nights at a resort. Then, we had to clear our schedules and make plans for the kids. Finally, we had to pack a couple of bags and gas up the car. How strange and wonderful it seemed to me that every step closer to leaving filled me with more excitement.

Finally, that Friday rolled around. We dropped the kids off with grandparents, and we hit the road. I distinctly remember screaming “FREEDOM!!!!” It was just like Mel Gibson’s character, William Wallace, in the movie “Braveheart.”

My beautiful bride just smiled and grabbed my hand. “Thanks for taking me away,” she sighed. “I needed a break. I needed some time with you. Just you.”

That’s when it hit me. I began to understand why this “take me away” moment seemed to resonate so strongly within us. It’s because as followers of Christ, we are longing for that very moment, when Jesus swoops in to carry His bride away. No more misery, pain, suffering, bills…no more laundry!

In Matthew 25, Jesus encourages the bride to be prepared for the groom’s return – to be watchful and waiting. As the true “bride of Christ,” we as believers should find ourselves ready and anticipating His return. But in the midst of the day-to-day toiling we often get bogged down and lose sight of the glorious eternity that awaits us. In fact, many believers are convinced that their plight in life is just to suffer and hang on until Jesus returns. Nothing could be further from the truth!

In reality, eternity doesn’t start at some point in the future when Jesus returns. We’re already in the midst of eternity. Time doesn’t stop and then start over! So when we are saved, our life in Him begins right then and there. Not at some future date. Check out what 2 Corinthians 5:17 says:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Cor 5:17 (NKJV)

That verse doesn’t say, at some time in the future – you will be made a new creation. If we are in Him – we have already been made new! We aren’t just holding on for some great church service in the sky. We are new today…right here and now! Sure, we still have to deal with our flesh, and the earthly toil and strife. But in a way, we are taking the first baby steps of our eternal life in Christ.

As a husband and father, I am working hard to try and come to grips with this full message of the Gospel. It’s good news on top of good news. And it’s also a bit overwhelming. That’s why I look for ways to bring bits and pieces of eternity into our family’s everyday life. Sometimes I’m successful with that. Other times…not so much!

But the good news is that I don’t have to do it all! God is so gracious, that when he sees the desire of our heart to press into Him in a more intimate way, He will make ways to give us glimpses of eternity.

Just like this recent trip, where my wife and I got away for a long weekend. I wasn’t necessarily considering the eternal significance or the resemblance of Christ’s returning when we planned the little vacation. But the LORD allowed it to happen – and then caused my eyes to be opened to this picture of eternity. And it made me more thankful for my bride. It allowed us a few days of rest, and even some romance! (By the way, romance does exist…even for parents of three young kids!) Jesus is so much better to us that we are even to ourselves. He loves us dearly and deeply. And He knows – better than anyone – that eternity is already begun.

The Kingdom of Heaven is all around us. In His parables, Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to lots of stuff…everyday stuff like weddings, dinners, vineyards and the like. And there are a million examples of the Father at work around us every day. He is so good to us. And His love knows no bounds.

So husbands, plan a short trip for you and your bride. Get away from work and responsibilities (and yes…even the kids!). Just try it and see if that getaway doesn’t spark something inside of you and your wife. Sure, there will be rest, fun, romance, and maybe even more. But I believe you will also see a little spark of eternity that will only increase your longing for that glorious day when Jesus returns!

Aaron Horton is a Christ-follower, who also happens to be a loving husband and father to three great kids. He works in a finance role for the building products industry, but has a variety of creative interests to keep him busy on nights and weekends. He dreams of one day retiring to the beach with his wife – to minister to beach bums and golfers, of course!