When We All Get to Heaven...

I had a little glimpse into what it might be like one day when we arrive in heaven. Seriously, me, Marci, and about one hundred other folks got to see it. But, I may have been the only one that picked up on it.

Last night, we went to a birthday party. But not just any birthday party, because this one was for a guy that I respect beyond measure and obviously, by the turnout, I'm not the only one that feels this way about him. At 6PM we (and the other hundred or so) packed into a small Italian restaurant and awaited his arrival. "He" was my boss a few years ago and as I looked around, I knew about everyone there because of my past affiliation with them in the workplace. As I looked around there were smiles everywhere and people were coming up to me and saying the usual, "Man, how longs it been?" and, "Wow it's great to see you!", and my personal favorite, "I was thinking about you guys the other day." For about an hour I had the opportunity to enjoy the fellowship with long lost friends and others that I would have never expected to see. It was a homecoming in itself.

As we were all catching up, a lady stood up and announced, "He's five minutes away!" Many of the folks around me cheered, some clapped, but what amazed me was the sheer energy flowing through the room. I can only describe this as an incredible warmth, obviously from the love everyone has for this man, and it was so strong that you could actually feel the electric energy int he air.

As the tension mounted, another lady stood up on a stool and announced, "He just pulled in, everyone get ready!" That's when a hush fell over the packed room With everyone standing shoulder to shoulder and looking toward the front door, waiting, ready to spring forth the single word that will get the party started. I saw a figure approaching from the outside, then the door opened and in stepped the birthday boy. Next came the resounding:

"SURPRISE!!!!"

As you can imagine, he was grinning from ear to ear as he stood there looking into this sea of friends that had assembled to honor him on his special 50th Birthday. People started mobbing him with hugs, some kisses, and tons of handshakes. I have to admit that I was smiling with a grin that only the Cheshire Cat could have done justice as I got to wish him the best as he passed by and made his way through the crowd, that were all trying to get to him.

That's when it happened.... God spoke to me. Deep down inside, God told me simply,

"You'll get your day like this but it will be a heavenly one. Everyone will be waiting on you to get there and when you do, they'll wrap their arms around you and eternal party will begin!"

But I don't think I had ever thought of heaven like this before. I'd always thought of streets of gold, mansions, and of course the unbelievable presence of God. But, there are going to be all the other Saints that have gone on before us to fellowship with. And, we'll all know, love and respect each other.

So, right now, there is a party going on. An eternal surprise party of sorts and you are going to be the guest of honor at it one day. Since heaven is everlasting and timeless, who knows, someone may be standing up right now and giving the five minute warning for you, while the crowd is building in anticipation of your arrival. But instead of earthly presents, food, or drink, everyone is going mobbing you with love and trying to get the chance to be the first one to take you to see Jesus.