We live our lives with many unknowns. Two big ones we sometimes push aside are our last day and our first day. The last day being our last day on earth, how and when we will leave this world. And the first day in heaven, what will we find when we get to the other side. What is heaven going to be like for a long time…eternity.
These unknowns, death and afterlife, have been the topics of many pieces of art, lyrics of songs, and subjects to be researched.
No one knows how or when his/her “exit” will come about. But you can pray to St. Joseph the patron saint for a peaceful death, and place your order!
But “life on the other side” has had extensive theories and “reports”.
When you listen to interviews from people who have “passed over” or read explorations of life on the “other side”, they can all agree. What comes through loud and clear is:
THERE IS NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF.
To reinforce this concept, I want to share a special picture and a revealing poem that will give us food for thought as we ponder this great unknown of what we can expect to find on the “other side”.
One of my favorite pieces of artwork is this picture, entitled “First Day in Heaven” by Linda Van den Bosch. This touching piece shows the end of a young woman’s journey as she leaps into the arms of God receiving a bear hug of welcome showing the very heart of God. If God is love, that theme jumps out and reassures every viewer.
I didn’t know what to expect when I read this poem on social media. The author is unknown and its title was “The Best Poem in the World”. I’d like to call it the “First Day in Heaven” to go with the picture but let me know what you think.
The First Day In Heaven
I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered Heaven’s door, Not by the beauty of it all, nor the lights of its décor.
But it was the folks in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp- The thieves, the liars, the sinners, the alcoholics and the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade, who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor who never said anything nice.
Bob, who I always thought was rotting away in hell, Was sitting on cloud nine, looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, ‘What’s the deal? I would love to hear your take. How’d all these sinners get up here? God must’ve made a mistake’.
‘And why is everyone so quiet, so somber –give me a clue.’ ‘Hush, child,’ He said, ‘They’re all in shock. No one thought they’d be seeing you.”
JUDGE NOT!
Remember….just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.
Every saint has a PAST. Every sinner has a FUTURE.
