I was reading a post on Facebook the other day from a woman who had just recently adopted a baby. She was full of joy, and rightly so. This baby is really cute. And I am sure she had been waiting and wanting for her for what probably seemed like forever. But, the part that sent me into full ponder mode, was when she gave thanks to the people who had helped her achieve motherhood. They were people who had passed on and were guiding her from heaven.
Hmmm. That's a really nice thought. But what doesn't make sense is that The Bible tells us that once we get to heaven, there will be no more tears, no more sorrow (Revelations 21:4). I can't help but believe that if you were able to look down from heaven, all you'd do is cry. Seeing all the people who are lost, hurt, sick, angry, even evil. All those people you love, struggling day in and day out with living in a world run by The Prince of Darkness.
I used to have dreams that my dad didn't really die. In my dreams he would give me advice and tell me comforting things. I would always wake up feeling like I'd been imparted with some sort of wisdom; feeling like I had an invisible protector with wings. Then I'd get out his old letters to me. I'd read the one he wrote me when I had my head in the sand and needed a swift kick in the pants. I'd read and re-read the one about how he and mom missed me and my face. The one about how the weather was hot and beans were for dinner made me smile. Just hearing his "voice" talk about the day-to-day business of life was like a warm blanket.
So, while thinking that those we loved who have passed are now our guardian angels, is a romantic notion and certainly one I used to indulge myself in, it's out of line with what The Big Man says. That no one will feel sorrow, or pain. What a relief that God has left me letter after letter with wisdom, and daily kicks in the pants, and comfort and hope. What a relief that my dad doesn't see this broken world any more. What a relief My Father in Heaven is holding my dad.
