Camping by Heidi Dru Kortman

Text: 2 Cor. 5:1-10.

“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands” (v. 1).

        

  Although the Apostle Paul made tents to earn his money, I do not believe he liked them very much. He is not alone. Neither do I. As a survivor of several camping trips made with borrowed flawed tents, I was always more than eager to return home.

        

  Because I do not have outdoor skills, other members of the group always had to erect my tent for me. They did it cheerfully and efficiently, and although other awkward things happened, those borrowed tents never collapsed on me in the middle of the night. However, I do now regret that my attitude while living in the tents was definitely not as Christ-like as it could have been. We were on mission trips!

      

   In truth, the accounts of my camping experiences would read like comedy in comparison with Paul’s list of travel dangers in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33. Each time I remember my trips, I also realize that I am “camping” in my body and in this world.

          When I become impatient with the circumstances of my life, the text of 2 Corinthians 5 reminds me to shift my focus. The purpose of my life, like Paul’s, is to be God’s ambassador—away from home in this “foreign” place (2 Cor. 5:18-20). 

When my “mission” is complete, I get to fold up my imperfect “tent” and go home to the house he built for me with his own hands. “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 with me where I am” (John 14:2-3).

          Prayer:

          It’s a powerful job to be Your ambassadors, Lord, and we’re sometimes intimidated by it. Forgive us when we fall short. Equip us daily so that our words, attitudes, and deeds leave an attractive impression of our “home country,” Your kingdom. Amen.

Heidi Dru Kortman DTM

God's gifts and call are irrevocable.

heididrukortman.com.

Heidi Dru Kortman, a CWG Apprentice graduate, ACFW member since 2004, and Word Weaver member has published devotionals in various newsletters, and a collected volume of devotionals. Her poetry, flash fiction, and short stories have appeared in small magazines, and a website. She is applying herself to the task of writing smoothly polished fiction.