life changed november 27, 2006

I used to be able to say “I have four children,” when people asked.  I guess I still have four children.  Only one of them is now living somewhere else.  Somewhere inaccessible to me at the moment.  We had two memorial services in order for all who loved him to reminisce – one in Oregon and one in Texas.  The service in Oregon was comprised mostly of family, and so as his mother, I was invited to say a few words…

Not long ago I read a portion of Randy Alcorn’s book, Heaven.  I remember him discussing C.S. Lewis’ metaphorical portrayal in The Silver Chair of our confusion over the reality of heaven.  The Queen of Underland sought to deceive Prince Rilian, Jill, Scrubb and Puddleglum regarding the existence of Narnia and the Overland, speaking words of denial with a soothing, comforting voice.

We, as they, have been lulled into a forgetfulness and befuddlement regarding the greater reality of what we cannot see.  Jesus told us that this solar system and earth will pass away.  And Peter tells us it will be replaced by a new heaven and earth, undamaged by selfishness and uncursed by God. The writer of Hebrews continually contrasts the realities of this planet with the realities of heaven, indicating things here are only shadows, or copies of a greater reality – elusive, faded, hazy representations of a crisp, vibrant, intense and meaningful existence.

I don’t think of heaven as something I hope exists.  To me, heaven is more of a sure thing than this life.  Nate’s fearless manner of living demonstrated he felt that way, too.  Mankind is continually discovering our own confusion and the limitations of our understanding of the world around us.  Remember when margarine was considered a healthy substitute for butter?  Or baby formula was considered superior to breast milk?

I’ve recently spent a few months living on a tropical island, and it amazes me how much we’ve deluded ourselves about paradise.  We want that perfection so badly, that we’ll accept a sub-standard substitute.  I’ve had a number of people insistently proclaim our island to be a true paradise.  And I think:  wild fires, black snow, fresh water pollution with herbicides and pesticides, ocean water pollution with human waste and toilet paper that washes up on the lovely beaches, shark attacks, prickly cactus, congested traffic, outrageous property costs with resulting homelessness, AA meetings six mornings a week, giant flying cockroaches, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and vog -  not to mention broken, self-focused and empty people.  If this is the true paradise – we are truly without hope.

But thankfully, Nate, Jesus, Peter, C.S. Lewis and I know better.

Father, may I never become complacent, and satisfied with the token offerings of this world.  May I ceaselessly yearn for my heavenly home.  May I continue to raise my sights toward the solid, sure realities of eternity.