“You Are Here”

Time with my grandchildren is one of my favorite things. Hearing their sweet little voices squealing, ‘Nana! Nana! Nana!’ followed by the best hugs in the entire world immediately softens the hard edges that ‘adulting’ leaves on my heart. I love them with every fiber of my being, and I cherish their love for me.

Children have a way of innocently reminding us what is important. A recent moment with one of my grandchildren did just that.

My four-year-old grandson and I constructed a large “aquatic park” with Magna-Tiles. It covered a large part of the playroom floor and featured slides, tanks for dolphins and fish, a larger, separate tank for sharks, ticket booths, walking paths, fencing, and much more.

When the masterpiece was complete, we stood back and admired our handiwork with satisfied grins. Then I asked, ‘What is your favorite part?’ I expected him to say ‘shark tank,’ since we had spent so much time discussing why the sharks should be separate from the other sea creatures.

‘My favorite part?’ he thought out loud. Then, cocking his head a little to look up at me and smiling warmly, he answered, ‘That you are here!’

Tears immediately filled my eyes as my heart melted. I drew him close, kissed his cheek, and thanked God for his sweet, tender heart. I will treasure that answer and our time together forever.

That reminder points to one of God’s greatest promises: His presence. Just as my grandson loved being there with me, heaven’s joy is being with God.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is preparing a home for us: Heaven.

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3 NKJV

“The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” Revelation 21:18-21 NKJV

Heaven’s beauty is beyond our imagination. John continues to describe it with these words:

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1-5 NKJV

As wonderful as all of that is, we are also thankful for what will not be there:

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 NKJV

For me, the best part will not be the city’s grandeur. It won’t even be the absence of the terrible things we experience this side of heaven. Instead, my favorite part will be being with Jesus.

“…and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17b NKJV

Life this side of eternity is a complex blend of joy and pain. Yet God graciously gives us glimpses of peace and happiness to come.

I look forward to all that will be reality in heaven, but most of all, I long to be with Jesus. That is my greatest hope, and I pray you will be there too.

As you reflect on your life, cherish each glimpse of God’s joy this side of heaven. Take a few moments each day to jot down these blessings in a journal or pause for a simple prayer of thanks. Noticing and recording them can help you stay mindful of God’s presence and fill your days with gratitude. Let these memories remind you of the heavenly wonders awaiting those who place their trust in Jesus Christ.

Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs

If you’re seeking more information about faith in Jesus or want to talk with someone, please reach out to us at Lean into Jesus Ministries. We’re here to walk this journey with you.