Saturday, April 30, 2011

Dear God,

"Grandma, where is heaven?" my granddaughter asked. "Where is Jesus?" another inquired. My grandchildren are asking important questions.

While we ate our Panera Bread specials we talked about heavenly matters. As a pastor I have watched people agonize over the death of a loved one wanting, wishing they had had memorable conversations about life after death. But alas, it was too late. So I have begun talking to my grandkids about the subject.

I want these beautiful children of my children to know that eternal life exists not starting after death but right now. For it is a bit of eternity every time we are together. The joy we feel and the love we share is, I am sure, an experience of eternity where perpetual light shines every day, where love is warm, rich, and full for every person, where peace and harmony is the name of the game, and finally where faith is visible, shared, beautiful, grace-filled, and glorious. I desire to help create a picture of unity where only the truest and deepest selves are revealed. I believe with all my heart that heaven begins here and now in the way we love and care for another, for the earth, and for all living creatures. Talking lovingly and softly to my neighbor's yappy dog makes heaven real.

I long to lead my grandchildren into divine joy not because I want them to be happy. Another doll or modern technological instrument can make them happy for a time but there is nothing eternal about that kind of happiness. I want them to carry with them on this earth an eternal joy that erupts within them and outside them every day. While I don't have the power to give them faith I can open the door to faith that elicits that medium of joy. What better gift can I give my granddaughters and grandsons?

Only you,
Most Loving God,
can reveal
the secrets
of the cosmos.
Only you
can touch,
heal, inspire,
renew, restore,
and enlighten
the human heart,
mind, and soul.
Only you
can set
our feet
on the path
to faith,
peace, hope,
love, and joy.
Only you,
O Lord,
only you.
Teach us,
dear God,
to come
to you
for life.

Love, Andrea