I long for the sea. For the sound of the waves, the sand, and the warm breeze. For digging my toes into the sand while I let my gaze wander over the horizon, a book resting in my lap. For staying at a campground in a pine forest right by the sea. For simply letting time slip away, as it can only do in summer, out in nature. Just looking and listening and feeling. How wonderful that God not only made mountains, rivers, and forests, but also the sea! Endless blue in all its various shades. Shells and crabs and little fish.
That doesn’t mean I enjoy the mountains in the spring any less. But I’m looking forward to the sea next month. Good thing it’s not too far away!
Anticipation. And gratitude. Also on my journey with Jesus. How beautiful must it be in heaven? More beautiful than a private wooden cabin with a panoramic window right by the sea. More beautiful than the most beautiful beach at sunset. More beautiful than a helicopter flight over the mountains. More beautiful than a sled ride through Narnia. More beautiful than a dragon flight in Avatar.
In heaven it will not just be more beautiful and more adventurous. It’s going to be truly joyful, because then we will be completely united with God—with Yahweh, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. This anticipation brings joy. It cannot be disappointed. It will be far better than we can imagine! A part of our heart already senses that this is our destiny: to be very close to God, deeply content and happy.
My heart sees something my eyes cannot see. With every hour of Bible study and dancing for God, it grows, though I cannot put it into concrete words. This happiness of walking with Jesus. Happiness that does not depend on life. Happiness on another, deeper level. It resonates within me. I do my work, take care of my congregation and the strangers in our city. Clean the bathroom and water the plants. Cook Indian lentils and string letters together into sentences. Stroll through spring and marvel at the plants. Little things in this world. How beautifully God has made everything! How wonderful that I can see, hear, and feel!
I wonder if we’ll be given extra senses in heaven?
I wonder if Jesus will ever make me breakfast on the beach, just like he did for his disciples?
Then praying will be so easy. And so direct.
I’m so glad he made me. That I exist. So glad that I don’t have to be better for him to love me. That he sees me and understands me and enjoys spending time with me.
I’d love to sit on the beach with Jesus and gaze silently at the water together.
So I just imagine us doing that.
Jesus and me in May.
The created world itself can hardly wait for what´s coming next.
Everything in creation is being more or less held back.
God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into glorious times ahead.
Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.
Romans 8: 19-21