I look up into the sky, crisp bright blue, accented only by the occasional puff of purest white cotton-candy clouds. The brightness of the day radiates from the Creator, and there is no need for a sun. The warmth of the light feels like a gentle blanket hug-- comforting, desired.
I walk over to join others gathered in small groups under majestic oak branches. Nearby, children laugh and play, running and jumping, no longer fearful of falling or being hurt, and never getting too tired to keep going. Their giggles keep smiles on all our faces, and we thank God for the joyfulness these little ones bring. Many of us feel a deeper sense of gratitude as we now see how He safely kept our children who left us too soon on earth.
People from throughout the ages sit here and talk. They share about their lives and how they now realize God was present in every moment-- even the difficult, dark days when hope seemed lost. Lives lived in the various centuries faced so many different challenges. Those stories alone captivate for hours. With each story told, our hearts erupt and re-erupt with shouts of gratitude and adoration for a God who loves us so much in spite of our propensity to evil and rebellion.
As the testimonies continued, a tray of fruit was presented and each of us enjoyed the peaches, pears and grapes, all dripping with juicy sweetness. Pomegranates, currants, dates, and exotic fruits never seen before all burst with flavors beyond anything previously experienced. Each one showered our senses with amazing aromas and exquisite tastes. We ate not because we were hungry, but because it was pleasurable to taste and see what the Lord had provided for us. With the curse of sin and death removed forevermore, all of creation is now in its purest form; the way it was intended from the start, the way it was in the Garden of Eden before the Fall.
Rivers and streams dance over rocks and boulders, babbling and splashing along their banks. Oceans and lakes sparkle and shimmer under the light of His glory; sparks from their waves jump and splash like diamonds, sapphires and emeralds tossed to and fro in the playfully effervescent surf. Waters restored to their original created splendor and purpose; fishes and sea animals swimming and leaping in rhythm...a rhythm that resonates with the song of the waves and the trees, as if they were part of the same symphony.
In the far distance I see mountains. Some with snow covered peaks, others still green. Great eagles and hawks soar above their peaks, while robins and sparrows, parrots and hummingbirds flit about here and there, their melodious chirping harmonizing with the rest of nature's anthems. Several swoop down and land on our shoulders, bobbing and dancing, encouraging us to join them in their chorus.
Flowers are everywhere! Some species are well-known, while others are so exotic they seem unreal. They grace the fields and parkways and seem to spring up wherever there is laughter and joy. The sounds of happiness scatter like seeds which suddenly root, grow, and blossom within seconds to produce opulent, heady-fragranced blooms. Some bear colors sharp, deep and dramatic, like glowing embers or dark blood; others are pale and soft with the appearance of velvet silkier than baby hair. All seem to be swaying to a familiar beat, and all sound like they are humming. Their beauty is overwhelming.
In this place, there is complete rest, complete peace, and perfect joy. Without thought, my heart bursts with love and praise to the One who made it all, and I find myself singing and humming in unison with the rest of creation.
Things I had found beautiful and breathtaking on Earth, now seem dim and gray and unimpressive. The curse of sin on the world and all humanity caused them to be diminished, colorless, flawed-- dying. Here, all is alive and vibrant, no longer held under the grip of sin's curse; no longer dying.
In this forever place, the gray has been removed. All is as it was meant to be, as the Father originally created and purposed it. Perfect. Untainted. My eyes, now restored and whole, see clearly the beauty of my Father's creation and my heart overflows with thanks and love and gratitude. The words spill out from my mouth, "You alone, my Father, are Holy and magnificent and worthy of glory and honor! Forever and ever Your praise will be on my lips!"
It will not be "work" to praise Him for all of eternity. It will be a natural overflowing from our hearts. All that He has given to us in eternity, all that He has made us to be, all the joy we will experience, and the simple, superb beauty of His presence with us, will cause His praise to spring from us effortlessly. All He sacrificed for each one of us will be more than enough for us to join in creation's song of worship.
Photo from QVectors.net
