Heaven & Hope

I’ve definitely had my fair questions of HEAVEN more in the last couple of months than ever.  I’ve always been comforted in knowing my Granny was there “watching down over us”.  Then when my Papa joined her 20 years later (to the day!) it brought such a bittersweet smile to my face.  

Fast Forward to NOW . . . . Well almost 3 months ago . . . . . My Mama was welcomed there! Then just 23 days later they all (along w/ my Daddy’s parents) welcomed him Home too.  So now, I wonder . . . . “What is Heaven Like”.  Did Mama & Daddy see all of their amazing family & friends gathered to celebrate them here on earth? Who did each of them hug first ~ after Jesus of course? Are they smiling at the kids’ accomplishments? Does Mama hear me when I talk to her in the mornings? Are Daddy’s eyes winking and twinkling at things that would make him proud?

BUT throughout it ALL . . . . I am comforted in the Hope of Heaven.  I am comforted in the Creativity of God . . . . that he kept them together.   

Sunday morning, Pastor John brought a real good word, a simple, true word . . . . a timely word.  (Today was my first time back in church since mama & daddy’s celebration) and the sermon was literally titled Living in Hope! 

Another question often on my mind is around the actual “death”.  I LOVED the story John shared that he told another believer about death . . . . “For believers, death is like falling asleep” (1 Thes. 4:14) Instead if relaying his childhood story, I have a very similar one.  

Very often we went to Granny & Papa’s house on Friday nights after Mama & Daddy got home from work.  They lived about 35 minutes from our house in Lynchburg.  Often on our way back home I would fall asleep.  My Daddy in his very loving arms would carry me inside our HOME and tuck me in.  I fell asleep and woke at HOME.  Pastor John compared his similar story to our Heavenly Father doing just that.  We fall asleep and He, in His very loving arms carries us home.  What a reassurance for me today!

And finally, for now anyway, we all grieve so differently and that’s such a beautiful intimate detail also in this process.  As a believer, my grief is infused . . . INFUSED with HOPE! 

                                        ~ Living Hope ~ Loving Hope ~ Lasting Hope ~