Heaven

If there is one really positive thing to come from Peter's life and death, it's that heaven is a permanent conversational topic in our home. Daily Julie and I discuss the wonders of heaven, the joy that we will experience, curiosity over what Peter is doing and what we will someday do. Just today we talked about how we could go swimming and sled riding all in the same day. Julie wants to go on a "dinosaur back ride". God will have to pick her up, because dinosaurs are very tall. I long for heaven like never before. I truly believe this will help me be a better Christian. It certainly makes me want to do everything I can to get there, and to make sure my family is there with me. 

It makes all the things we suffer in this life seem less important. I don't worry so much about what we may miss out on as individuals and as a family. It removes concern that I may never see the Grand Canyon or the French alps or walk the path Jesus walked on Good Friday. I'll do it all with the ones I love, without worrying about plane fair and if I remembered to pack underwear. What could be better! 

A friend introduced me to the concept that, with heaven being outside of our understanding of time, our babies who we lost wait for us and we get to raise them in heaven. What a breathtaking idea. It brings tears to my eyes. In the days after Peter died I ached to nurse him. I prayed to Our Lady to cuddle him and nurse him at her breast. But maybe I'll get to do that afterall. I've been wrapped up in reading about Heaven, and have learned some interesting concepts that I'd never considered. I look forward to reading more. There are a lot of books on my reading list right now!

On that beautiful day when we meet Jesus and see our family again, Jesus tells us that all our questions will be answered (John 16:23). So many questions, big and small. An eternity of happiness and learning and companionship and praising Him who brought us there awaits us. And an eternity with my beautiful babies I never met, and God willing, the beautiful girls I am raising. 

I came upon this song by MercyMe recently. It's called Homesick. 

Homesick by MercyMe on YouTube

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now