I've been thinking a lot lately about our trip to Israel. We were there this very time of year two years ago. Sometimes it feels like we were just there.

It's hard to describe, but there is a sense of "home" feeling I have, especially for Jerusalem. Because I know that Jesus walked those streets and experienced that city, I feel a connection to the place. Having seen the country, it really makes the Bible come alive for me.

Heaven is described in the Bible as the "New Jerusalem." I think it was such an important city to the Jews that describing their eternal destination that way gave them a sense of what their final home would be like. I never thought it was helpful for me when I read Revelation because I didn't understand the metaphor. But now I get it.

I miss it. I never expected to feel this way. It's hard to express, but I'm just so glad we went.