Once in a while – as in all too often – either my husband or myself will make some reference to a body part not feeling “like it used to”. His knees pop when he stands up and my hip gets sore if I lay on it for too long – just general, run of the mill body deterioration! Then I usually follow up said comments with something like, “We can’t do this! We’re too young to talk about all the stuff that hurts! Stop it!” and promptly grab my glasses as I head out for a walk because it’s getting dark and I just don’t see as well at night as I used to…

I’ve heard “older” people talk about their aches and pains, and now….(gulp) kind of know what they meant. So why does it seem so surprising when it begins to happen to US? I have a theory…..

True, our bodies are confined to the elements and effects of the physical, but our spirits certainly aren’t. Some of the most fully alive people I’ve known have understood this as they actually neared the end of life. Part of my belief in Jesus is in also believing in the power of his resurrection – that’s the life after this life part! We are so much more than the bodies that contain us – God has given us spirits that will survive long beyond our bodies, so it stands to reason that we get “shocked” when we find our physical selves begin to…..shall we say…..change?

I think there’s a much stronger connection between earth and heaven than we realize, but we do experience them differently. I know when it’s my turn to leave this life and show up in the next, I will also leave the pain behind, not only of this sometimes-creaky body, but also the much deeper grief and pain of the heart. I will finally see my Jesus face to face as I melt in his loving presence and thank him for the resurrection that makes all things new. Then I’ll find Brett, probably sitting by a creek somewhere wearing a t-shirt, cargo shorts and hiking boots and promptly push him in! Then I’ll jump in after him and hold him for days. (At least, that’s what I imagine.)  =)

That heaven Jesus?

He’s the one who I love and follow right here with this won’t-last-forever-body and still wounded heart, but He lives in me just the same.

Today.

I don’t have to wait for heaven to know him – such amazing love and mercy!

This lyric says it all, “And while I’m waiting, I’m not waiting. I know Heaven lives in me.”

Love Forever,

Shellie ♥