"As Weary Pilgrim"

Currently I am in the middle of an American Literature course. Today my studies found me reading Anne Bradstreet's poem "As Weary Pilgrim." Anne was part of the Puritan band who traveled with John Winthrop to found Boston. In the poem, Anne looks at the end of life from the backdrop of a pilgrim who has ended their travels. It echos some the cries of my heart (the final lines particularly this time) and reminds me to keep my focus on Heaven and Eternity. Hopefully you find the same encouragement in her words:

"As weary pilgrim, now at rest,
  Hugs with delight his silent nest,
His wasted limbs now lie full soft
  That mirey steps have trodden oft,
Blesses himself to think upon
  His dangers past, and travails done.
The burning sun no more shall heat,
  Nor stormy rains on him shall beat.
The briars and thorns no more shall scratch.
  Nor hungry wolves at him shall catch.
He erring paths no more shall tread,
  Nor wild fruits eat instead of bread.
For waters cold he doth not long
  For thirst no more shall parch his tongue.
No rugged stones his feet shall gall,
  Nor stumps nor rocks cause him to fall.
All cares and fears he bids farewell
  And means in safety now to dwell.
A pilgrim I, on earth perplexed
  With sins, with cares and sorrows vext,
by age and pains brought to decay,
  And my clay house mold'ring away.
Oh, how I long to be at rest
  And soar on high among the blest.
This body shall in silence sleep,
  Mine eyes no more shall ever weep,
No fainting fits shall me assail,
  Nor grinding pains my body frail,
With cares and fears ne'er cumb'red be
  Nor losses know, nor sorrows see.
What though my flesh shall there consume,
  It is the bed Christ did perfume,
And when a few years shall be gone,
  This mortal shall be clothed upon.
A corrupt carcass down it lies,
  A glorious body it shall rise.
In weakness and dishonor sown,
  In power 'tis raised by Christ alone.
Then soul and body shall unite
  And of their Maker have the sight.
Such lasting joys shall there behold
  As ear ne'er heard nor tongue e'er told.
Lord make me ready for that day,
  Then come, dear Bridegroom, come away."

In today's culture we seem to lean towards ignoring eternity and focusing on this present life. However, it can be quite easy to go to the other extreme and ignore this world entirely while focusing on heaven. How should we avoid these extremes? Does your focus need to be adjusted?