From The Storyteller
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Sept. 23, 2019, Heaven
She’s an older neighbor, who faithfully walks her two beautiful dogs morning and evening. For the last several days one of the dogs, had not been with her. I ask, and sadly she explains the dog is dying. Without thinking I say, “There are dogs in heaven”. Her response, “Of course there are. It wouldn’t be heaven without them.” Her words brought to mind Brant, a preacher friend from about 40 years ago. He played guitar, loved music and his dream was to own a Martin guitar. I can still hear his wife’s words, “You’ll have one in heaven for sure, because for you, it wouldn’t be heaven without one.” My story is not about the theology of heaven or what we might find “there”. It’s about realizing what a person is actually telling us about their life. Simply saying it wouldn’t be heaven without - dogs, cats, horses, goats, or a guitar reveals a connection rooted in a deep, heart-felt love. Folks basically are saying they don’t ever want that connection to end, which leads me to my summers as a kid growing up. After the dinner dishes were done, we headed back outside to play. I can still hear my mom calling out the door, “It’s getting dark; time to come in.” Our response would almost always be something like, “Awe, Mom, why now? We’re just starting to have fun.” At that time in my life, playing with friends was something I loved, and just didn’t want it to end. I’m older now and realize NOTHING’S CHANGED. It may be getting dark, but I still want to continue playing with my friends. There’s Elaine, our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a whole bunch of great people to play with. I mean who wouldn’t want to continue playing with their friends? Moral: It wouldn’t be heaven without …. |