Since dad passed away 2 months ago, I’ve thought about what
he might be doing up there all this time.
We all have these preconceived notions about what it will be like when
we die and go to heaven. The Bible says that
we are in a ‘spirit’ form during this time, before the physical rapture, when Christ
returns to Earth for all believers. Then, at
that point, we take on our physical forms – our new / old bodies. Then again, time doesn’t exist there. So, I figure, we will be immediately
transformed into both the spirit and physical – in a flash.
Regardless – it will be exciting – we will, at that moment -
finally see all those who went before us.
The grand reunion.
One reunion I’m sure is happening now is between Dallas Bateman
and Don Kanaley. Maybe the conversation
is going something like this:
The train pulled up to the station. Don looked out the window of his first-class
car, and saw a big sign swinging from a chain that read “Paradise”, it sparkled
in the sun light, with a spectacular piercing brightness. The letters were made of the biggest cut
diamonds he had ever seen. Below it, in
smaller precious stones, read “Last Stop”.
He stepped outside of the cabin to the top of the stairs - and took a
deep breath of pure fresh air. He realized
that he had no luggage. Hands free he
swung himself like a teenage boy, from the top step, down to the stations platform. It was crowded, smiling faces and laughter
filled the air - people everywhere, beautiful, smiling, healthy people, hugging
and shouting with delight as they found friends and relatives everywhere. It was uncontrolled excitement and joy. And, not one piece of luggage was anywhere,
not even a purse or a briefcase.
Running toward Don was a man, shouting: “Don! It’s you! – I heard you were coming and I’ve
waited here at the station all morning – I wanted to be one of the first to greet
you, and welcome you home!
“Dallas Lane Bateman,
it’s you!. Come here, let me see you closely!” Don said excitedly. They wrapped their arms around each other for
a big extended hug.
“Holy Cow” said
Dallas, “you aged some down there – in a
good way! I haven’t seen you since 1975 – 42 earth years
ago – the gray, and those wrinkles! – or as we call them ‘paths of wisdom’!. I’m so glad you’re here – finally. What took you so long?”
“It’s true, I’ve
aged, I know – that’s what happens when you grow old in earths atmosphere. I’m glad that’s over with, and now I can’t
wait to get my new body back. Lucky you
Dallas – getting out of that mess when you were in your 40’s. You never had to fight the aging – the body
fat – the health issues - and look at your face – such a young man! And, you’ve still got those classic side
burns, and that Bateman grip – strong as an ox!”.
“You’re right Don, I was the lucky one – wait till
you see what we do up here – the fun never stops”.
“Still”, Dallas continued, “while I have no regrets, I have
to tell you – I wish I had gotten a few more years down there to physically
touch and hug all of my 4 girls, like you did.
I was watching of course – I see everything they do and hear everything they
say. But I haven’t been able to do what
you did all those years – man you had a full quiver buddy!”.
“We’ve been blessed
in different ways I guess”, said Don. “In
fact, I have a 3:00 with Jesus to ask some questions – 1:1 – he sent me an
invite when I arrived. I have a long
list Dallas, I hope he doesn’t mind”.
“He won’t mind – I had my list too – believe me – pages and
pages of questions, and he answered them all pretty quick. After he explained it so clearly, it all made
perfect sense. Actually, Don, once you
see him, it’s so over-whelming, the questions you have will pretty much
disappear – they won’t matter anymore – you’re gonna be blown away when you see
his face and shake his hand.
“Let’s step over here for just a few minutes – grab a
Starbucks, before the big crowd gets here to see you. I saw them Don, on the way over, thousands, no,
tens-of-thousands – on their way here to thank you. There’s a party tonight in your honor, one of
the biggest preparations I’ve seen in a long time!”. Dallas handed him a cup of coffee as they
stood by the train. “By the way”, said
Dallas, “we only have ‘Reserve’ up here, none of that cheap coffee you’ve been
drinking down there! You’re gonna need a
lot of energy to shake a lot of hands and get a lot of hugs today!”.
“I’m just glad to be here,
I’ve never felt so worry and fear-free as I do now!” Don said.
----------------
Then, leaning in, Dallas whispers - “OK, really quick, Don, before the crowds get here - I’ve
been wanting to ask - that kid of yours, Scot . . he and my girl, and those 3 kids, and now those 5 grandkids. I only met him a few times
on earth when he was a teenage boy in Kenya . . . but I've always wondered, what's it like to touch them all, to press your lips to their cheeks, to smell their hair - what's that feel like? . . .
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And so it goes on – the big catch up between Dallas and Don - sipping coffee at Paradise Station.
I Can Only Imagine.
