If you were expecting to hear from Kristin, I’m sorry to disappoint you. This is from Troy. She actually asked if I’d share a few of my thoughts this time around about the hope in front of us all.
I am sitting on Banderas Bay this morning, watching the sunrise over the mountains onto the sea in Puerta Vallarta. It makes me wonder what Heaven is like. Is it bright, is it warm, does He provide both from His radiant glory?
“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3
My simple mind is torn between the chasm between the sadness of losing Jadyn, and the reality that she is with Jesus. You see, I’ve read about heaven since I trusted Jesus as my savior 44 years ago. I’ve talked about it many times, but I’ve never really leaned into Heaven until October 30th.
Yes, everything has changed for us.
Other questions float through my mind…What does heaven look like, smell like, feel like this morning? Can those who have passed before us see us right now?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
We traded in our Christmas tree for flip flops this year…I guess we couldn’t just open presents and pretend that nothing had changed. And so we sit here in Mexico thinking about the Heaven before us, and the reality of walking through this life with Jesus, but without our lovely Jadyn.
I am beginning to realize that we ALL experience some loss and suffering. Kristin and I were just talking about this yesterday. There are others of you who have lost loved ones, maybe the loss of a job, loss of a marriage, or even loss of the ability to live a “normal” life due to illness. Don’t we all experience loss or suffering of some kind along the way? I think so… Obviously, we all need the hope of heaven and He knew it.
“But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, He saved us from all that. It was all His doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with Him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.” Titus 3:4-8
Blessings to all, Troy