What will your first conversation with a loved one be like–in heaven?

“What’s on for tomorrow? Got plans?” I ask.

“Not sure,” she says.

“Can I see you again?” I ask.

“Of course,” she says.

I look down at our bare feet—feeling the smoothness of gold pavement.

“We sure had a time, didn’t we?” my beloved reminds me. “Raising three sons together. Seventeen grandchildren! And what about those great-grandkids!”

“Too much, Sweetie.”

“Ooooh, my. You used to say that ALL the time on earth! ‘Too much.’ Remember? And wait a minute! Is it okay to call me ‘Sweetie’ here—in heaven?”

“I hope so,” I say, glancing around.

My girl never looked more radiant. Jet black hair again. Shining eyes, brighter than when I first met her at the New Hope Christian School potluck. Yesterday (or was it a year ago?) my hair was white, hers silver. On earth she left too soon, arriving in heaven before me, and now she seems to know things, so…

“Can I ask you a question?”

Sweetie nods.

“Are we still married in heaven? I mean, I feel so different now. Like I never want to let you go—but, it’s weird. I feel the same about everyone I meet here.”

We glance at the white-robed folk—a busy, purposeful throng with smiles in their voices.

I explain, “I guess you could call what I’m feeling, ‘absolute trust.’ I never had that below. And certainly not for everyone. In heaven, it’s like…like…”

“It’s like we’re opening wonderful gifts every moment, and the surprise never ends!” Sweetie says.

“Exactly,” I say, laughing.

“As for being married…” Sweetie says, smiling, “we really are–but not to each other Dear One. We’re HIS.  You and I finally belong to God in every way. Our marriage on earth was a mere reflection of what we are experiencing now.”

On golden pathways and in buildings sided with gemstones, the business of heaven is taking place all around us—and my “wife” suddenly bids me farewell. She’s been summoned by God to perform a heavenly task she was prepared on earth to accomplish here.

I ponder my own situation: Sweetie’s right. Heaven isn’t  a place to pine after the former “us.” Eternity is all about our King Jesus. I’m happy that she has Him. And I’m so glad to experience love NOW in a way that I barely understood on earth—even with Sweetie.

Suddenly a grin breaks forth from the depths of my soul. It’s God’s voice I hear!

He’s summoning me too!

*****

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. (I Cor. 2:9 NLT)

Jesus replied, “Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. And they will never die again. In this respect, they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:34-36 NLT)

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”

“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:1-6 NLT)