June 5, 2024
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I’ve always loved music - all kinds – all of my life. For me, it usually starts with the melody and then the lyrics and, as I’ve grown older, the back story.
If you asked me to put together a soundtrack of my life, it would have to include songs by The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Chicago, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, ELO, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Billy Joel, .38 Special, Meatloaf, Eagles, Willie, Robert Earl Keen and, of course, Jimmy Buffett.
Jimmy was quite prolific and his classics are some of my favorites: “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “Fins” and, as he and his fans matured, “Trip Around the Sun.”
One of the last songs he wrote before he died last September is “Bubbles Up.” “Bubbles up” is a diving term used to train people who have become disoriented underwater, to head for the surface. When you don’t know which way is up, follow the bubbles.
What a great metaphor for life! When we’re confused, disoriented, lost – follow the bubbles and they will lead us home. I think Jimmy knew his time on earth was nearing an end and he had that in mind as he wrote this song. Here is the chorus to “Bubbles Up”:
“Bubbles up, they will point us towards home
No matter how deep or how far we roam
They will show you the surface, the plot and the purpose
So when the journey gets long
Just know that you are loved, there is light up above
And the joy is always enough, bubbles up” *
Most of us, at one time or another, have been lost – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. The world throws a lot at us. How we react makes a big difference. We can run to the light or retreat into darkness.
Which “bubbles” do we follow? How about faith, wisdom, truth, hope, love, light, goodness, courage, peace and joy, just to name a few. The Source of all of these and all good things is our good God.
Jimmy’s gone home to his Father in heaven. In some ways, I’m envious. Not that I want to leave this world right now. I’m going to stay here as long as the Lord allows. But I am convinced that this world is not our ultimate home. We may be residents of the United States or of whatever country we may find ourselves, but we are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven for all eternity.
J.R.R. Tolkien speaks these words through Gandalf the wizard, in The Lord of the Rings: “Not all who wander are lost.” We are all sojourners and wanderers making it through the territory, finding our way home. And best of all, Jesus is walking with us as we walk together, heading home, following the bubbles.
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, bubbles up!
QUESTION
What "bubbles" are you following as you make your way Home?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we are thankful that You are with us as we walk through life. When we feel disoriented, confused or lost, help us to follow the bubbles that lead us to You. Thank You for being our constant Help and Guide and for the promise of our eternal home in heaven with You.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
*Click below to listen to "Bubbles Up"
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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