I recently had a bout with the flu. After a couple of days I feared I had awakened to the state of an old man. I hoped to get better, God willing, and be able to continue serving as God calls me.
Two realizations comforted me and made me grateful even for the misery I felt. The first was an inspiration from St Theresa of the Little Flower who suffered much ill health and died of tuberculosis in her twenties.
A sister asked Theresa, "What do you say to God when you are sick?" St Theresa answered, "I do not say anything. I simply love Him."
The second inspiration I was blessed with came from a new-found friend who is suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease, a debilitating and fatal condition that destroys your health in a slow and painful manner.
I admired his courage and faith as he struggled to breathe, frequently reaching for the mask that helped his lungs supply enough oxygen to stay alive.
He talked about his life with gratitude for the career opportunities, the family blessings and the faith that sustained him.
I know that he would be so grateful to once again feel as strong and able as I felt while combating this temporary flu.
Gratitude! Do we have enough of it? For a short time I got to love Jesus in this special way of suffering. I know I can't compare my brief discomfort with my friend's struggle for life and breath.
During my quick recovery from the flu I had a dream that showed God looking down from heaven to watch us struggle in our daily lives. Some days we actually get it right and have a blessed time with our fellow travellers: family members, colleagues at work and community at large.
The Presence that looked down through the window of heaven in my dream was one of understanding and love, not judgement. God loves us first.
In this world we are hesitant to declare our love to someone. Often we fear disappointment or rejection. When God asks us, "Do you love me?" he has already declared his love for us.
We are God's creation. He invites us to prepare to spend eternity with him. I know we will not be spending all our time praying and worshipping, as comforting as that might sound.
Heaven will include sharing God's eternal knowledge and understanding. Mysteries beyond the realm of physical limitations will be shared with us. God created us to give us the chance to get to know Him, to love Him and to share eternity with Him.
The more we delve into spirituality and the mystery of the eternal in this world, the closer we already come to the mind of God. Heaven starts here and now. We should be really excited about it.
Why not soar a little with our fellow pilgrims as we journey?
