Those Far-Away Places

Some of my most miserable nights have been spent in an aluminium tube, hurtling through the sky at about 400 miles per hour to somewhere or other when I lived in Southern Africa. But after recovering from jet travel, I often thought of travelling to faraway places yet again.

When my mind goes into the travel mode, one of the places I think I'd like to visit is Tibet, though it's now the Chinese province of Xizang Zizhiqu—that's if you're brave enough to pronounce its new name!

I'd love to visit Lhasa, the Forbidden City, with its Potala Palace and its Jokhang Temple. I can't really figure out why I would wish to go there—I haven't any Tibetan ancestors that I'm aware of! I suppose it’s Buddhism, with its religious influences, which would attract me. But with my depleted bank balance, I don't suppose I'll ever get around to seeing the country.

If, however, those ‘faraway places with strange sounding names’, that Bing Crosby used to sing about, are calling you, then, maybe, you'll want to visit those corners of this globe that attract you. But if you're not able to book a flight, don't worry, dream a little, instead.

For_t as you battle with the changing patterns of life and your personal wars seem real and devastating, remember to reach out for the things that are beyond your horizon. You'll be better able to cope with a sinkful of dishes when you can imagine the climes of distant lands!

And even more, you can make it through each day when you know that, beyond the horizon of this life, God has prepared an eternal life for you. The bonus is that you don't have to wait until your heart stops pumping and your lungs stop breathing; they are yours to enjoy here and now, when you accept the gifts of God, like peace, joy and forgiveness.