“No eye has seen, no
ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love
him” 1 Co. 2:9.
It was a Saturday night and we were going out with my
sisters and their husbands. We met at a
restaurant and ate wings up to our elbows.
Everyone decided to return to our home to extend the evening. As we turned into our driveway we were met
with cars lined down both sides to the house.
It was the year of our 25th wedding anniversary, along with
my sister and brother-in-law’s, and obviously the family had planned a surprise
party for us. As the four of us approached
the walkway, we were amazed at all the friends and family who lined our
path. As I would embrace one person, I
would see another person I couldn’t wait to get to. Once we were inside I walked around trying to
absorb all of the beautiful decorations and prepared food. A video of our lives together documented all
of the wonderful times shared and memories that made up a lifetime. It was a beautiful day filled with surprises,
blessings and sincere gratitude of all that had been planned on our behalf by
those who loved us.
I wonder if passing from earth to heaven is somewhat like
that experience only expanded to measures of joy we have never known. I can see it now…
"I turn down that path and
approach the walkway of eternal life. On
my left are the friends and cousins who have gone before me sharing a secret
smile of things we shared growing up. On
my right were my precious in-laws, holding hands as if they had never been
separated on earth, reaching out welcoming me for a second time. I glance over their shoulders only to see my
four grandparents with their arms extended.
I run into their arms and suddenly I am a child once more. When I pull away I look up and there she is…my
little sister who we felt was gone way too soon on earth. She missed our anniversary party but wouldn’t
miss this one for the world. Remembering
that I have eternity to catch up I keep moving with joy I have never
experienced before. Suddenly, my eyes
lock with the eyes of the man whom God chose before my birth to carry me
through my life. My embrace seemed like
forever but isn’t that what it is all about?
And then it happened…as I pulled away and lifted my eyes I saw Him and
everyone disappeared. The joy I had just
experienced paled in comparison with the joy that only He could make
complete. It was the face I had longed
to see and a love that only He could fulfill. He embraced me,
offered His arm and escorted me through the party showing me all of the beautiful
things He had been preparing for me. I had no idea and was astonished to see the
fruition of my past experiences, and how He had worked them all for my
benefit."
My imagination certainly runs wild this morning but one thing I know for sure... it will be a party like none other with a Host above all others.
“So with you: Now is your time
of grief but I will see you again…and you will rejoice, and no one can take
away your joy.” John 16:22.
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