there is a day that all creation's waiting for...

Back in Belfast for July & August, I'm missing all people and things Nottingham related, which is to be expected. Was saying to a friend that after all, we're designed for eternal communion, so when we taste God's goodness in blessings in this creation (friends, places, etc), and especially when we taste what bits of God's new creation he's already brought in (Christian fellowship), we feel at odds with leaving it, with separation. It is at odds with what we're made for - and we long for when it'll all be redeemed for good. In the meantime, I was trying to not be overly negative in response to well meaning church folk in Belfast saying, "I'm sure you're glad to be back!"

And I am glad to see my parents again of course, and "little" bro' Peter. And church friends. Though since most of them (church friends) are elderly, seeing them is hard as their health has always deteriorated each time I'm back, and they die. Which is wonderful for them, to go to be with their Saviour, but is sore nevertheless. Again, the separation jars with the good things of this creation, and makes us long for its full redemption.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

[Romans 8.16-24]