Today, Tomorrow, Forever

     Removing the fear of death brings peace to our souls. Heaven is our true home. Death will transition us from this fallen world to our perfect place. In the meantime, we get glimpses of heaven don’t we? We see it in the beauty of creation, the intricacies in the variety of flowers, in the bird’s song, in the smell of the lilac or in a baby’s smile. We see it in the love of a spouse or the grip of a toddler’s hand, in the aged wisdom of a grandparent, in the homecoming of a soldier, in a friend’s compassion.

     The Father’s love for His children is everywhere. He loves you so much; much more than the greatest earthly love you have right now.

Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

     God does not just love. He IS love itself. The Hebrew word for love is “agape.” This love is unconditional, sacrificial, and perfect. God’s love is best shown on the cross. Earthly love is described in two forms, “philio” meaning brotherly love and “eros” meaning sentimental or sexual love. God’s way of loving is beyond us. We won’t experience it in full until we reach heaven.

     For now, take in the glimpses of heaven He gives us every single day. Take time to slow down and savor those moments, those scents and sounds, those hand-holding, joy-filled times that we take for granted.

Lord,

Thank You for the kind of love we find hard to fathom. Jesus took all of our mess and put it on Himself and because of that we can experience life forever. Thank You for the beauty around us, for the smiles that touch us, for the food on our table.

Amen