[This reflection by Helen Ruffhead was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 11/Oct/2026]
This month I am preparing for my move to what I hope will be my last home on earth. This has set me thinking about the contrast between this move and my final one.
In the past two years I have spent literally hundreds of hours decluttering my home, often agonising over what things to keep and what to give or throw away. (I know that I have read this book at least a dozen times, but I may want to read it again. I don’t even know what this electrical thing is for, but I might need it one day.) In my final move I can happily leave everything behind, knowing that I won’t miss it.
As John Bunyan said: “Fullness to such a burden is, that go on pilgrimage; here little, and hereafter bliss, is best from age to age”.
This move involves endless online forms, which have come as a shock, as the last time I moved house the internet did not exist. Then there are decisions about solicitors, surveyors and removal firms, as well as all the hassle of packing and unpacking and notifying numerous people about the change of address. There are no forms to complete, whether paper or online, before we enter our homes in heaven. I was going to say: “before we are given the keys”, but then remembered that these homes will not need keys, as there will be no intruders or burglars to fear.
With this move there are anxious questions: is it the right place; are there any hidden problems with the flat; will I get on with the neighbours and will the charges rise to a level I can’t afford? So far God has blessed me with homes that were just right for each stage of my life and I need to trust that this will continue, but I can be certain that my home in heaven will be far better than all my homes on earth.
Jesus said:
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14 v2-3
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Last Sunday’s reflection: Different Doesn’t Mean Deficient by Martin Shorey
Contributed by Helen Ruffhead; © Helen Ruffhead