John 14:2-3 “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” NKJV

We were normal elementary school girls who relished playing outdoors and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We had all the world could offer and could imagine nothing more.

Then one day, my sister and I received an invitation from a wealthy relative who wished to treat us to an adventure-day. She took us to museums we never knew existed, explored historical family sites, and laughed at comical renditions of ancestors. Then, in an unprecedented move, this matriarch allowed us to choose where we were to eat. She had but one stipulation; it must be a “fancy restaurant.”

We had absolutely no clue of fancy restaurants. Growing up in a family of eight meant we barely had any knowledge of burger joints. But after much discussion, we agreed on the world’s fanciest restaurant: Shoneys, the Home of the Bigboy!

We had seen the Shoneys’ ads where you ordered at the table and they brought your meal as you remained seated. Plus, at the end of every commercial was featured a to-die-for strawberry pie piled high with whipped cream. Dining at a Shoneys was beyond our wildest dream!

We excitedly proclaimed our restaurant choice and were puzzled when her expression seemed one of disappointment. However, she graciously took us to our “fancy” restaurant where we got our picture made with the Bigboy and savored the most delicious hamburger, french fries, and strawberry pie in existence.

Today, our restaurant-repertoire has expanded just a bit and we laugh recalling our shallow thoughts. Yet long ago, our simple little minds could not comprehend an eating establishment with white tablecloths, or dimly lit candles, or silverware laid out on cloth napkins, for we had never witnessed such unimaginable places.

In the same way, heaven defies all comprehension. Our simple thoughts cannot imagine the celebration we will have as we first encounter the encompassing presence of God, our creator. How will we contain ourselves as Jesus, our Savior, returns to claim us? Can we even fathom the concept of eternity when we hold no prerequisite of an existence without time restrictions?  Our human concepts are simple and earthly and prevent us from accurately picturing the grandeur of things never witnessed.

Sisters, one thing is for sure: heaven will exceed all we can think or imagine! Spending time in the presence of God will be immensely greater than the “commercials” found in scripture of golden cities and walls of jasper stone. Although our most eloquent carnal language fails to describe its glory and there are no thoughts grand enough in our human minds to fathom being held in the loving presence of God, we can trust it will be far beyond our wildest dreams!

Father God, we anxiously await eternity with You.

Blessings,

Rita