A sense of heaven seems to lately be offering a more heightened longing, as my thoughts linger upon my delivery there. I realize at times we all think of heaven, or we certainly cry out for it during tough times. But this yearning I have been experiencing lately has almost become an ache deeply penetrating my soul. I am not really sure why.

There are of course a million reasons. Who doesn’t want to look into the eyes of Jesus or to hear the tone of His voice? Who doesn’t want to laugh together and have His smile warm our hearts? Just think of being able to sit under His teachings of the scriptures or to feel His embrace calling out to each of us. I know I am also curious to have my new name revealed to me (Rev 3:12) and to know why the Lord chose that particular name. I am excited to hear Him call me by that pet name! I want to sing like an angel (or at least in tune). I want to dance as free as the wind.

Perhaps my ache grows stronger because of my husband’s death. Even after the seven years, my desire for him has never lessened. My love has already gone on ahead of me and this separation from him, at times, is excruciating. I want to be with him again.

Does an incorruptible body sound just perfect? Think of it, we will finally be freed from having to wrestle against our flesh, sin, decay, and all those limitations. Heaven is our true home that we have been searching for. That perfect place we will never have to pack up or move from. Heaven is where we will finally be found most comfortable with ourselves and with others. It is also where our spirit finds complete rest.

O, what delights God is preparing for us! Even now, we are thrilled as we contemplate the saving grace we’ve been given. I like thinking about how our memories will be perfected. Can you imagine, no more forgetting the words to a song or someone’s name? And the painful memories we carry with us over a place or person will just not be with us; or simply the memory will no longer be there to pierce one’s soul. A total healing.

Can you ever envision a world without cancer, autism, swine flu, death of family or friends, economic crashes, suicide, thefts, and no more car repairs? All these things have been because of the consequences of our fallen world. Heaven will have none of it!

Does it seem like the harsh things of this world are accelerating? Maybe I am becoming weary in the fight and need the refreshment only the Holy Spirit can give… you know, a good old out pouring and coming upon of the Holy Spirit. Who doesn’t need that every day? But, I wonder if I am feeling the Lord tugging or preparing me for heaven for a time that is sooner rather than later? Doesn’t He want to do that for each of us? I’m not sure about all of it right now, but I do hear heaven calling me. Yet I must be like Paul and press on, so that I may run the race with excellence!

May it be our desire that we be women who live in the present and are aware of the world around us. May we take notice of the blessings God gifts to each of us, and always long to hear His whispers. Shall we also pray with a more purposeful focus on God’s will? And as we stay connected in our relationship with Christ, we will become more thankful followers. Let us commit to doing this together! Close your eyes…Open your heart, let God’s Spirit empower you today.