When I think of everyone in my life individually, and I reflect on just a few of the many things they have been through, I am in awe of the strength of everyone I know. Then I begin to think about how each and every single person goes through SO much in this life, and yet they still press on.
What is it, then, that gives us this strength? What is it that empowers us to move forward, when our feet feel rooted down in the muck of the misfortunes, tragedies, and burdens of our lives? Why do we always keep striving for "better times" and a brighter future? What are we really striving for?
We are striving for Heaven. Whether people recognize it or not, we are striving for the greatest happiness we will ever feel.
Almost everyone, at some point, has lost someone in their lives. Often it is someone close, and it is the hardest thing we will ever go through. I've lost friends, all of my grandparents, youth leaders, and I know a few others who have passed away too. These people, though they aren't with me anymore, willalways be with my in spirit. My husband reminded me of this today, without even trying too.
What would make me happy? I want to see them again, obviously. I want to be able to talk with my nana and papa. I want to laugh with Michael, and I want to talk loudly and have a beer (is their beer in heaven?) with Danny. When we lose these people, we long to be with them. We hope that they are happy, and that they are looking down on us, or "looking out for us."
Regardless of all things a person may believe, we all hope for something beautiful when a loved one leaves this earth, even if just for them. We long for that happiness for them, but we also long for that happiness for ourselves one day, because we want to be with them again. In this regard, we ARE longing for heaven, whether we recognize it or not.
Most of my friends are Christians, and most of them understand this fully, and don't question it. But for those of you that aren't, for those of you that simply don't know what you believe, or have never taken the time to pray before, I want to present a challenge to you.
I'm not asking you to go to church, or do anything uncomfortable for you, but I am asking you to pray. If there is a part of you that simply isn't sure, and that is going through anything right now, just take a couple seconds to pray. Just ask God this: "God, if you are real, and if you love me, please reveal yourself to me. Show me."
Something I have learned is this: when we are honest and desperate for God, it is then that He shouts to us. God wants everyone to know Him and to love Him. He wants everyone to know HIS love for them. We need to stop "hoping for something better" and start allowing that greatness to be a part of our lives. Sometimes we need to be broken before we can be found. I assure you, though, once you know God, and you recognize the love He gives you on a daily basis, you will come to fully understand why we continue to press forward, and why we long to find the joy and beauty in this life, even through trials.
This is a lot of rambling. Idk what was on mind, but I had to write it out. Even if it's jumbled.
Night night!
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