Heaven’s Waiting Room by ACHUCKAllen
I get asked about Heaven regularly. I’m asked about Heaven at every memorial service or funeral, especially as I plan a service with a family. Most of the questions about Heaven are focused on the wants and desires of the party asking. I hear things like, “can they see us down here, after they’ve gone to Heaven?” Or my favorite question about Heaven is this, “what will we do up there?”
To be described by the Word of the Divine as a place with no more sorrow, we have some pretty funky views of Heaven. By the way, I love the art just above. It’s entitled “Heaven’s First Day.”
But this isn’t an effort to drop a nugget or two about my theological underpinnings and the vast amount of information the Scriptures offer about Heaven. This an attempt to see Heaven through the eyes of the people that have gone before us. Here goes:
Arrival: Whew, I made it! That answer was already determined before I drew my last breath on earth. But wow! These gates are indeed made of pearl. How about that?
In the gates: It really was so cool hearing “well done.” I’d hate for you to miss that.
On the streets: So, you know that whole golden street stuff? It’s more than true. It’s not just the streets. It’s the curb, gutter, and sidewalks too.
The walk: On the way to my new eternal house – excuse me – mansion, I chatted with my folks. Man, Mom has all her memory and her hair is in place. And Dad! Just wow! Dad had hair too. Who knew? Seeing the old country preacher that introduced me to Jesus was a hoot. Dude just said, “told ya!”
At the house: I’ve never seen a neighborhood like this before. O my stars. No, really! O my stars! The back porch on this bad boy is about twenty feet from the lake and there are about seven fishing poles all rigged up. Peter can’t get over the fact that I just like to catch the fish, without eating them or selling them. Peter? That dude is a mess. He was telling me that when he reached into the fishes mouth and got the coin to pay his temple tax, Jesus was laughing so hard, his ribs hurt.
My first Sunday: Okay, you cannot imagine the music these folks can crank up. It’s some funky mix of hymns, country, pop, worship and a touch of hip-hop. It all comes together with hundreds of different instruments. Man, it was hoppin!
I could go on and on, but the real big deal about Heaven is that everybody is healthy, happy and at peace with everyone and everything. I love it when Jesus stops by for a little church time. When I see Him and I remember what He did for me, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I wonder if I was filled with that kind of awe when I was on Earth? Neh, I know I couldn’t have been.
I do know this, whatever you do, don’t miss Heaven! I wouldn’t leave here and return to the messed up earth that I left for anything. Actually, I can’t remember anything about the earth. That’s why this new home has no sorrow, no chemo, no cancer, no handicapped parking spots, or doctors. Did I mention that I can go fishing anytime that I want to?
I’m home, forever, and I love it! Don’t forget these words – Don’t Miss Heaven!
–AChuck
