13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,
Paul uses a wonderful metaphor to describe this earthly existence. He talks about the tent of this body. This current life is only temporary. This is not our permanent residence. In the Middle East tents are still used for homes. There are still those whose dwelling moves with the grazing of the domesticated animals. When the grasses get depleted, the tent is packed up and moved to a new location, one with a more abundant supply of the needed nutrition. Each location is only temporary and there is no expectation that the current spot will be the last spot the family will dwell. There is always another spot when the season changes. I have lived in at least twenty three different places in my life. None of them is my permanent home. I am hoping my next move will be a more permanent place, but even the most permanent place here will only last a few decades. I hope to spend some time overseas reaching and teaching. Each of my residences, and even my houses, is just a temporary stopping place. No matter how nice it is, it is only temporary. It is only a tent. I have a permanent home in heaven.
The Arnold Journey 