If you’ve been reading the blogs here on the WR site, then you’ve already heard blogger after blogger rave about the beauty and allure of the island we just finished spending four days on. They go on and on about the sun and the sand and how it’s absolutely heavenly.
I’m here to set you straight.
Was the island pretty? Sure. Very pretty, in fact. But I, for one, certainly hope it’s no indication of what is to come upon the Golden Shore of heaven.
Consider a few points that underscore the differences between the island and our hope in heaven:
- Humidity – Every time you see someone in a picture on a white-sand Thailand beach, remember that they are probably covered in sweat. 95 degrees and 85% humidity? Not my idea of paradise.
- Overrated Beaches – Sure, the sand is white and the ocean’s blue. It’s the beach. That’s what it’s supposed to look like. But I’ve seen beaches in California that are twice as pretty and half as humid. The island’s beaches just don’t compare with La Jolla, or Venice Beach, or Santa Barbara, much less heaven.
- Too Much Ocean – For someone who doesn’t swim and doesn’t really like the beach, there’s very little to do on an island. Except lie around and sweat. Which is what I did.
- Critters – When I get my mansion in heaven, I’ll be sorely disappointed if I’m visited by large rats who run through the gaping holes in the roof to rummage through my belongings and eat my bread.
- Strange Effects on Katherine and Me – For whatever reason, the entire time we were on the island, I was incredibly irritable with Katherine, and she was incredibly oversensitive with everything. We believe there was something spiritual going on there, because as soon as we were back on the mainland we were back to normal. Very strange, and a good reason never to go back.
So, my friends, do not be snookered by the World Race blog hype machine. The island was very beautiful, and the ministry work we did there was valuable in reaching a people who do not know Christ.
But the hyperbolic statements that have appeared on this website about our “days in paradise” are a little over the top.
Luckily, you have me to set you straight.
