Heaven

In a twisted turn of what could only be described as God's colossal sense of humor, Dave's sermon this week dealt with an issue I have been pondering of late. Last week one of the children I love e-mailed me her latest query in her quest for knowledge. "What is heaven?" I have thought about it often in an attempt to figure out what I was going to say to her. I know all the usual details of pearly gates, streets of gold, and many mansions. This would mean little to her and frankly it doesn't mean much to me.

So what does heaven mean to me?

On a personal physical level it means the absence of pain. As a person with whom chronic pain resides, this is a marvelous thing.

On a spiritual level it means so much more. Right now I can just attempt to know the joy of living in God's presence. At best I only achieve what is a pale imitation of what I know it will be. Heaven will be the most perfect moment of my life, and it will never end. I long for the sweetness of existing with my love. It will be the fulfillment of my life. The idea of heaven is so wondrous mere words can not suffice. Now, how do I answer a nine year old girl's question?

I am reminded of wisdom which was imparted to me by another little girl years ago. I used to care for a trio of fantastic girls. One of them asked me one day if she would be able to have her favorite doll when she went to heaven. I told her that the Bible tells us we will not want for anything there, not mentioning she would probably not want her doll. She pressed this issue. I finally said I didn't know everything about heaven and that some things would remain a mystery until I got there. She then told me there was a way to find the answer. "Whatever you want to know just ask God and get the answer. But you have to be sure to shut up, because if you are too busy talking you will never be able to hear his answer and will only hear yourself." Profound advice from anyone, especially so from a five year old.

Many times since that day I have remembered those wise words. I think I will use them as I reply to the little inquisitor. It will be good for her to know I don't have all the answers. I do however know the One who does. That's enough for me.