“What is your definition of paradise?”

That was the question our tour guide asked my husband and I as we drove down the very narrow roads of St. Thomas, USVI.

Anthony and I were visiting this small Caribbean island for a few days and by day two we had been without electricity for more than half of it (making the sticky heat nearly unbearable for this cold-natured gal).

We had jumped in our tour guide’s van and asked him if he knew what the trouble with the power was all about.

According to him, rolling blackouts were just a way of life. The locals all knew that and had learned to live with the inconvenience of sporadic electricity.

Some had generators. Most did not.

Anthony and I had come in hopes of spending a few days basking in the glory of this beautifully advertised island paradise (replete, of course, with a working A/C in our hotel room).

Brochures had highlighted pictures of elegant waterfront restaurants, gorgeous beaches, and breathtaking mountaintop views.

But now, riding around the winding island roads with our guide, his pointed question got us thinking.

“What is your definition of paradise?” he said again.

The question was rhetorical so he continued.

“People who visit this island have one definition – endless sun, crystal clear waters, and beautiful beaches for miles; but those of us who live here have a very different definition.

Paradise truly depends on your perspective.”

What a powerful statement.

Honestly, this side of heaven there really isn’t a great example of paradise, is there?

We can find brokenness and dysfunction everywhere on the planet. Even those spots that have some of the most beautiful scenery still have problems.

For the Christ-follower, the blessing comes in knowing that we will eventually arrive in a perfect paradise promised by our Father.

An eternal place where we will dwell with God and He will dwell with us as He “…wipes away every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more, neither will there be any mourning, or crying, or pain.” (Revelation 21:4 ESV)

And we will never have to navigate power outages again.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!