I was walking to the mailbox in the morning hours. The sun had yet to reach midday sky, and only pieces of its rays peeked through the abundant tree branches that shielded my path. Where it broke through the light speckled the brilliant, green grass. It wasn’t too hot, nor too cool. A calm, refreshing breeze blew across my face. Peace was all around me.
This must be what Heaven is like.
The musical laughter of a baby.
The way the ocean sounds as the waves crash upon the shore.
Sunlight on your face.
Seeing your child smile.
A brilliant blue sky with dots of clouds here and there.
That first sip of coffee. The way the warm mug feels against your hand.
The smell of freshly mown grass.
The feel of your toes in the sand.
The way the sun setting changes colors. Colors you’ve never seen replicated before.
A hot shower.
Resting your head upon the chest of the person you love most.
Ice cream.
A good watermelon.
And tacos, of course.
Watching children play.
A good back scratch.
Your favorite song.
Your first slow dance.
Your first kiss.
Your first love.
Opening a present on Christmas morning.
Sitting on the front porch swing.
Watching a summer rainstorm.
Seeing your baby’s face for the first time.
Hearing their first cry.
That must be what Heaven is like.
I’m of the impression that all the many wonderful, beautiful, and precious things we experience are a foretaste of better things to come. They’re the preview of coming attractions or the highlight reel of God’s great gifts. Every single day we’re awarded glimpses of God’s creation untainted by the sin of this world, and in those moments we can imagine what eternity will be like. I’m sure of it.
It makes me wonder how many times I let those moments pass without appreciating their splendor. How often am I too busy to take notice and say, “thank you. I can hardly wait.”
I suppose it’s never too late to stop and smell the roses, especially when their fragrance is a scent of what’s to come. It’s like getting a spoonful of mom’s stew an hour before dinner time, a kiss before the altar, and a gift the day before your birthday. It’s certainly worth paying better attention, I would say.