Choose Something Better
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. —John 14:1-3
In keeping an eye out for my mother-in-law, I’ve learned that due to the high cost of assisted-living facilities, some seniors may actually fare better by choosing to move onto cruise ships. This sounds like a great way to spend retirement to me! (Where do I sign up?) Onboard, seniors can find many similar services to assisted-living care such as room and board, medical services, and exercise equipment while enjoying visits to exotic ports of call…and all quite possibly at less cost.
Apparently, the idea is not too far fetched. Bea Muller, a retiree, opted for something she considered better than a retirement home: Cunard cruise line’s Queen Elizabeth 2, where she took up residence in January, 2000. Following her husband’s death, she sold her house and her possessions and booked herself on the ship where she lived until the QE2 was retired from the fleet in 2008. She was then transferred to the Queen Mary 2. Along the way, Mrs. Muller said, “I've got full-time maid service, great dining rooms, doctors, a medical center (where she volunteered), a spa, beauty salon, computer center, entertainment, cultural activities and, best of all, dancing and bridge.”*
Opting for something better sounds like a good plan! Too often people live their lives with only this life in view: You’re born, you live and you die. But, this life is not the end of the story. The Bible certainly makes it clear that there is life after death and that there is both a real heaven and hell. Everyone ends up somewhere! And, much like Mrs. Muller, we have the choice to opt for that best of all accommodations: Heaven. Choices of faith—to believe in Jesus, to love Him, to follow Him—ensure that you are booked on the most fantastic journey. Be sure that you choose something better! Don’t miss the boat!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about eternity. What about eternity appeals to you? What scares or disturbs you?
2. What is your eternal status? Do you know today where you’ll spend eternity? If not, what is keeping you from choosing something better?
FURTHER READING:
John 5:24; John 11:24; Revelation 21
* I was unable to find information on the current status of Mrs. Muller. It seems that by 2010, she was no longer cruising. (Today, if alive, she would be about 100-years-old.)
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