Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Thoughts of Heaven

How would you feel if you were told that you only have 5 days to live?

That happened to a friend’s friend. And as we prayed for her, I felt, in a very strange way, an overwhelming sense of excitement. A bit twisted of me to think this… I guess it sounds twisted to those who are left behind, they will feel the pain of loss. The one who has left would interestingly, will feel the pleasure of gaining a face to face meeting with the glorious Maker…for eternity!

Even with all of what this life has to offer, it cannot compare with what life would be in the Great Beyond.

What if I was the one hit with cancer and told that I only had a couple of days left? I was reeling a bit at the thought of getting off this life-train and entering the pearly gates, but not with terror but with thrill. But then again, this is all hypothetical. I might feel a bit differently when the time comes to meet my Maker.

But let’s just say this would happen..

Let me see…things I would miss when I get to heaven would be…a friend’s shoulder when I need one to cry on, a warm shower after coming in drenched from the rain, a hot cup of coffee that blasts away the leftover sleepiness in the morning, my mom’s home cooking after having to eat commercial junk while living alone in Manila, a good belly-aching laugh after a really stressful day, a sense of wonder seeing how God miraculously provides after I lose something…

It’s all the “bad” stuff that makes the “good” stuff even better. I guess that is what makes this life “fun” to live: the good stuff that is so much appreciated because of the bad ones that happen.

In heaven, there won’t be any bad stuff that would help me appreciate the good ones. But by then, I guess it won’t matter anyway, I’d be too awed by all the good stuff to even think of anything else.

“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be his people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear form their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…(Rev. 21:3-4)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I totally agree Gypsy. It'd be exciting to know that all the good stuff is only a few days away. The only sad thoughts on my part would be how others would get on without me - hubby, the kids - but maybe I'm flattering myself...
Sometimes it's hard to admit to others that the next life is so anticipated. But what a time we'll have -with HIM!

Lazarus said...

A friend of mine recently succumed to cancer. At 27, he could have lived a long life.

He is in heaven right now. It's a wonderful place prepared by God for those who put their trust on Him.

Gypsy said...

Thanks, San and Lazarus. Even if there's sadness for those left behind, isn't it great that this is temporary? isnt it great that we will all be together again for eternity? One day there will be no more goodbyes! :)

Anonymous said...

i always remind myself that I am living on a borrowed time... i don't know if anyone else has realized it but living here on earth is much harder than dying and going to heaven :- ) in a sense, i am also twisted : - ) jen