Article June 9, 1997 Issue

Heaven—here?

with contributions from Laura Matthews, Judith H. Hedrick, Cynthia Alyce Neely, Marguerite E. Buttner, Richard C. Bergenheim, Beverly Goldsmith, Robert A. Johnson, Elaine R. Follis, editorial staff

Consider this: You're sitting in a beautiful, breezy, sunlit field surrounded by wildflowers and butterflies. But you've got earplugs on and a hood over your head, and you're wearing clothes that are way too warm. Someone, with no hood, earplugs, or winter clothing, tells you about the field, the butterflies, and the breeze. You don't believe him at first. But, then, that person helps you remove the hood. You see the field for the first time. You're amazed. He shows you how to remove the earplugs. You are even more convinced. Finally, you change your entire wardrobe, and you're there.

But did you need to go anywhere? Did your surroundings change? No. Here's my point. When I think of people encountering Jesus, and his explaining that heaven was right where they stood, I think of those people having their eyes opened and their ears unplugged and really hearing—perceiving spiritually—what was and is right there all the time.

For me, the Christ, Truth, is still speaking to all of us, urging us to see and feel the heaven that we long for—and that is, in fact, here for us. Christ is showing us the way—the way of spiritual growth—that reveals this quality of life, this real heaven.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Heaven—here?

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access