Saturday, October 07, 2006

A Glimpse of Heaven

I experienced today what I imagine Heaven will be like. Not pearly gates or golden paved roads (or whatever it is we imagine it to look like - I don't really know for sure), nor a Heavenly chorus of Angelic voices... but rather a glimpse of communication with our Father.
Lately I have asked God for glimpses of His love for me. I need this sometimes - just reassurances I guess. And, as He is always so faithful, today He reminded me in the sweetness of a bridal shower. As ladies of all ages and walks of lives shared around the tables their favorite memory of me, I was struck with the gift of Divine affirmation. Just as God will walk us through our lives [in Heaven] and say "well done" at our times of obedience and "my grace is sufficient" when our sinful nature takes over, these ladies gave me the gift of love, grace, and acceptance that is only offered through the love of Christ.
Perhaps the defining moment for me occured as Sandy Bergam shared a devotional with all of us about the adventure of living for God. In the middle of her talk, she began sharing a few quotes with us about this very topic. All of the sudden she said, "and this quote was written recently by another fantastic writer..." She began reading these words: Sometimes the Call is a radical, transforming spiritual experience. But sometimes it really just stems from a deep seated desire, instilled by the Holy Spirit, to do something... I thought about these words for a moment as she continued to read on, and I realized that she was reading the very words I wrote in my last entry. Two things stood out to me in that moment: 1) I need to listen to what I write 2) What an affirmation. Not an affirmation in the sense that I am a good writer, but in the sense that God affirms me. Me. In all my weaknesses and struggles and mess ups, God affirms who I am because I am a Daughter of the King.
Today was a beautiful affirmation of my life, of God's presence in and around me, and of encouragement for what is to come.
Again I say thank you for blessing me... Thank you to all the beautiful women (and Grover) who made today so special. May God's blessings pour upon you in abundance.

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