Beautiful

An hour ago I went for a walk. The temperature was 43 degrees. The sun was just coming over the horizon, lighting the flaming gold, red, and orange, now appearing amidst the remaining green leaves on countless trees as far as the eye can see. The path is a dirt/gavel road leading into a seldom traveled woodland on the edge of Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island, Maine. There are few places I would rather be.

Later today we will ascend Cadillac Mountain, go for a carriage ride on Acadia’s non-motorized roadways, and walk the streets of Bar Harbor. Now lest you think I am boasting and grandstanding, let me tell you this trip is a gift from one of my sons. I chose  Maine because it is, perhaps, a lot like that place we call Heaven. . .absolutely, astoundingly beautiful.

We are closer to Heaven today, you and I. Or, you or as far away as one can get. I don’t mean it from a years, or months, or days perspective. None of us know what today or tomorrow will bring. Back in Texas a long-time friend is quickly dying. Each of us is. . .with differing rates of speed. Our World moves closer each day to the end. . .when God will speak this habitat out of existence to be replaced by a new and perfect one where those who are His will spend eternity.

I want to be ready for that. . .not ready in the sense of it’s certainty. That was purchased for me on Calvary when Jesus Christ paid the ransom for my soul. Rather, ready in the sense that I am loosening my attachment to this old World in preparation for the new one. That is not an easy task. So many of those I llove remain, and being attached to the baubles and valuables of this life is a distraction.

That’s why I treasure this walk, in this place, at this time. Perhaps there will be many more, or this may be my last, but I can see Heaven more clearly from here. That is a gift my son has given to me, just as the soon to come new walk on the new Earth is a gift given to me by my Father’s Son some 2000 years ago.

It really is a beautiful thing!