We are all Pilgrims and Nobody Stays

My hubby and I were watching some old black and white movies having fun comparing them to newer remakes. One that we particularly enjoyed was “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Wonderful story of betrayal, forgiveness and redemption. Often, we prefer the older version, but in this case, Jim Caviezel won hands down.

In watching the older movies, it occurred to me that all these wonderful actors are no longer here. Neither are the people they portray. Kings, Queens, celebrities, athletes, dictators and tyrants. People who one day shook the world are no longer here!

Last week, I had received some sad news from a friend. Their 38-year-old niece was diagnosed with a rare disease and things were not going well. They asked us to pray. Though she knows the LORD, it is hard. Death is hard.
I got to thinking of all the people who have come and gone. Some live longer and some shorter.

But no matter how long we live, nobody stays!!!

I read Ps. 84 this morning and decided to jot my thoughts down as a poem. As I wrestled with the words, the deeper truths of our journey and what awaits us reached into my soul… bringing me not only comfort, but sweet JOY.

We are all pilgrims

and nobody stays.

We are all passing through

though we vary in our ways.

We gather our stuff

and build empires of clay.

We forget about tomorrow

and think only of today.

But we are all passing through

and nobody stays.

There's a highway to heaven

the place where God dwells.

One day will come down

and all will be well.

New heaven, new earth

no pain and no tears.

Loved ones reunited

no death and no fears.

The curse will be removed

and all creation cheers.

The kingdom of this world

becomes the kingdom of our LORD.

And each will live forever

and enjoy their reward.

We are all pilgrims

and nobody stays.

We are all passing through

though we vary in our ways.

Two pathways before us

one heaven and one hell.

One without God

and the other where God dwells.

The highway to heaven

though joyous at end,

is not always easy

and sometimes hard to comprehend.

One thing is for certain

this journey of old

is one we all take.

So, choose carefully we’re told.

Seek wisdom and remember

all that glitters is not gold.

For we are all pilgrims

and nobody stays.

Choose carefully your steps

and be thoughtful in your ways.