Earth to Troy

Our church had a kid’s retreat a few weeks ago. Including myself, my wife, my daughter, and her husband, there were 28 that went on the trip to a beautiful spot in the mountainous and wooded terrain in North Jersey. It was called Shiloh Bible Camp and Retreat Center. http://www.campshiloh.com/

It is an amazing facility staffed by gifted godly people. The trip lasted from Friday night through Sunday after noon and included times of Bible study, worship, music, and tons of outdoor activities. The highlight was a Sunday hike to partake of the Lord’s Supper at the top of a mountain over looking a reservoir – one of the most breathtaking scenes I’ve ever witnessed since my skiing days in Colorado ended.

But one of the unexpected joys of the trip was having our 14-year old nephew Troy along on the trip. That may not seem so odd, even though at times he is, but Troy lives in Chicago. His grandparents actually flew him out for the retreat and his presence was felt throughout the entire weekend – usually in a good way. Just kidding Troy! Uncles can say stuff like that and are even expected to provide regular grief in our family!

This past Sunday, we had a church luncheon retreat review where we showed hundreds of photos taken by my wife. Everything went well and almost everyone that went on the trip came including a good portion of the church family – those that helped fund the trip. But there was one overwhelming thing missing – Troy! He had gone back to his normal life some 750 miles away after the retreat ended.

It was then that my wife said to me, "let’s bring Troy to the party via Skype." I thought she had found some super cheap airline fare. But that would be a stretch, even for her, to fly someone 750 miles for a 2 hour event. It was then that I learned that Skype was computer software that actually allows people to talk and see each other on a computer screen if the PC’s have a camera.

To make a long story short, we installed the Skype software on Saturday night and had Troy’s parents do the same on their end. And before long we were talking and looking at each other live and for free!

The next day, after the lunch and deserts were quickly consumed, we hooked up with Troy on a small netbook computer at church and started the program just after he said hi to all of his new buddies face to face. Our laptop was in the front row allowing him to hear everything being said over the PA system by his aunt. It was a memorable experience as we re-lived the retreat along with the many spiritual blessings and benefits – the lone exception being my pathetic climbing of the steep mountain trail with two destroyed knees both in need of surgical replacement.

Today, I was reflecting on Sunday’s luncheon, especially the ultra-cool Skype/Troy part. It reminded of a verse in 1 John of a coming day when Christians will need no sophisticated software or hi-tech equipment to see the Lord face to face who saved them by dying in their place.

The Apostle John states, "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (1 John 3:2-3)

This is an amazing and miraculous promise. Not only will we see Jesus face to face someday, but we will in some ways, be like Him. I really don’t fully understand that with my average IQ and finite mind. But I do believe that it will somehow and someday occur according to what Scripture promises. What a massive ‘Skype-like" moment that will be.

So Troy, for now we are limited to Skype. And maybe that is a good thing because you would certainly drive me insane if you were here with me every day. But someday we will be together forever, with our sins forgiven, our rough edges all smoothed away, and enjoying the presence of God and His entire family in heaven with no computer software required! See you soon!

Bill Breckenridge