beautiful things that last forever

pettiness.
selfishness.
thoughtlessness.
greed.
ignorance.
foolishness.
legalism.
addictions.
depression.
sorrow.
cruelty.
carelessness.

sometimes all the ickiness of the world just seems to come at once. flying on new year's day, with bad weather and delayed flights, patrick and i saw so many short tempers and inconsiderate actions. the young guy waiting at the gate who sprawled on four seats, watching a movie on his laptop while other passengers had to sit on the floor or remain standing. the middle aged man who yelled at the stewardess for the flight's being late. the sour-looking couple who eyed nearby children angrily.
what a little difference some consideration would have made. some understanding. some kindness, some love.
sometimes it just seems like there isn't any goodness in the world. i can't wait to get to heaven and expand my lungs to breathe in the sheer goodness of a place without sin.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. (Revelation 21:4-5)

all things shall be made new. all of the ugliness of the world will be erased. all of the grime that gets on our souls and makes us so tired ... washed away.

and just when i was longing for heaven, God reminded me that yes, there are some beautiful things that will last forever. even some things we have here on earth.

adoration was the first one He pointed out. we will adore Him and praise Him forever - and we can start that here, our praise and worship and love start here (even in the middle of grouchy days and impossible passengers). then i started looking for more. here are a few things i found that will last for ever ... things we can enjoy here and now, too.

the mercy of the Lord is everlasting (psalm 100:5)
righteousness is everlasting. (psalm 119:144)
the joy of the ransomed will be everlasting. (isaiah 35:10)
the kingdom of the Lord is everlasting. (daniel 7:27)
the life He gives is everlasting. (john 4:14)
the gospel is everlasting. (revelation 14:6)

hope. love. joy. kindness. caring. gratitude.
praise will last forever.
(incidentally, i'm listening to a nigerian praise song on youtube, and they start off with "are you from the east? west? north? south? rise up on your feet, let's get your praise on! amen!")