A pilgrim, not a tourist

Hebrews 11:13-16 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of the country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city.

Lord, I confess that I am a pilgrim on the earth.

I have left all that tied me to my place of birth.

The journey’s long, the way is steep

The night is long and the waters deep.

Yes, I could turn back when my footsteps tire

But I seek another country, t’is my whole desire.

I am called to a better home, so I may not stay.

Like Abraham, I have been called away

To a place God has promised that I do not know.

But with my eyes on him, I can bravely go.

This hope this vision fills everything I do.

It’s not just about heaven but about the journey too.

My forever journey begins today

I savor each moment with the people, along the way.

With my fellow pilgrim, Jesus, I walk hand in hand.

Tomorrow will be great but today is just as grand.

A tourist is going places to be entertained or educated or to lay down some interesting memories, or to experience stories to share.

A pilgrim has already arrived, already found everlasting life and is going places in order to enhance their ongoing growth and understanding, to share the experience with their Lord and to be enriched by the people and the life events along the way. Seeing the places where Jesus walked will help deepen and broaden a pilgrim’s faith and ability to remember and learn from the recountings of his life.

I have already learned much by just learning more about the geography and locations in Israel, as I studied videos and maps to prepare for this exciting chapter of my pilgrimage.