As C.S. Lewis, the writer of the Chronicles of Narnia, once said:  “Aim just for earth and that is all you will get. Aim for heaven, and you get both.”

The person of faith is not earth bound. Dust we are and to dust we return, but that is hardly the end of our Christ story. On All Saints Sunday we remember all those faithful departed, family, friends, influences, examples of love and being loved, forgiven and being forgiven. And as we read and hear these scriptures we have reason to rejoice and be glad in what God brings forth in the people of the Kingdom both here and forever. But words fail us at the threshold of death. We can only go so far in description and vivid images since the bible goes into some detail but is often constrained and says “this far…but no further.” We do, however, build upon what we do know and what we have seen exemplary in the lives we remember today. People that lived in faith, hope, love, and in forgiveness. These must continue especially the greatest of these….love.

So, when the 10 year old asks about heaven and pets and games and houses and clothes “up there” we can simply say “we don’t have many pictures of all that but God is good and will do what’s right for His beloved people.” You can fill in some blanks as your faithful imagination allows, but always remember…”we see through a glass darkly.” But then….someday….!”

Praise be to God!

Pastor Barry