Today someone sent me an impressive PowerPoint presentation on the Octopus, Paul Allen's new yacht. Now for those of you non-geeks out there, Paul Allen is Bill Gates' multi-billionaire colleague.
This yacht, at 416ft, is the largest in the world. It cost over $200 million. It has two helicopters (with helipads), a sub, a remote-controlled vehicle for examining the ocean floor, seven tenders (smaller boats that go to shore for provisions and such), and a permanent crew of 60.
It reminded me of those things that super-villians build in movies.
What a waste of money that could be better spent, I self-righteously told myself when I saw it.
Truth is I know I'm at least a little jealous.
It got me thinking, though. Remember that verse where Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2)? I like to think he's referring to yachts as well — that for at least some faithful servants, he's building a yacht, too (attended by angels, I expect). Not sure what degree of sanctity would be necessary for this puppy, whether this is a Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, or a St. Terese of Liseux, or a St. Dismas. But the point is, God is preparing a reward for you and for me that far exceeds what Paul Allen or Bill Gates are experiencing in this life.
I find this consoling as I am going through a time of discouragement in my walk of faith right now. The perseverence will pay off, in spades. This world is living in a garbage dump compared with the life to come. When we've been there ten thousand years, this miserable life will be but a dim memory. We'll laugh at some of the foolish decisions we made to put this present life ahead of the life to come, and we'll forget how hard it was at the time to walk the right path. The good that we do now, the righteous choices we make, will bear fruit abundantly in the life to come. That ought to encourage us to persevere.
All the imperfection we struggle with now will matter not a bit when that time comes. All those earthly things we struggle with — jobs, housing, finding a spouse (or not), sufferings, etc. — will matter only insofar as they were opportunities to grow closer to God and be perfected. The dross will be burnt away until nothing remains but the gold (cf. 1 Cor 3:12-15). Basically, none of the negative things in our lives will last in the light of eternity. Hallelujah!
