How Far is Heaven?

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. ² In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. ³ And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: ⁴ and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. ⁵ And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5

This weekend, a little boy, with his aunt, came into the store where I work. He wanted to tell me that our cups for the ‘Freezies’ didn’t have the right lids. When I showed him where the correct lids were, he hugged me and told me about his Grandma dying. He said he wasn’t with her when her brain was bleeding.

At first I was at a loss for what to say, and then, I hugged him back.

I told him that I lost people that I loved too, and said that I believed they were in a better place.

He said, “Do you mean heaven?”

I said, “Yes.”

Then he asked me how far it was to heaven. (He was about four years old.)

I told him that it was near, but yet, pretty far away.  It was near enough for us to talk to God, but too far to see the people we loved. I continued, “But, someday we will get to see them again.”

That seemed to satisfy the little boy, and the aunt thanked me for speaking with him.

This little boy and our conversation has been on my mind ever since. It is heart-breaking to be away from the ones we love, but someday we will be together with them, and with Jesus. We can look forward to His return! Jesus is coming, and His reward is with Him.

We will be raised up, incorruptible, immortal, healthy, whole, happy, and better than we can even imagine!

There will be no more crying, no pain, no sickness, no death! Our heavenly home is being prepared for us, and Jesus will return for us soon!

Thank you, God, for Your forgiveness, mercy, and love. Thank You that Jesus is preparing a place for us, and that You have a room in Your beautiful mansion for all who believe in Your gift of Salvation, — for those who love You, who are called according to Your purpose. Please direct my steps. Keep me from being deceived. Help me to acknowledge You in all my ways! I pray for this little boy, that You would give him comfort and help and guidance. I pray that Your presence would be with him and his family, that You would be a friend closer than a brother, and a help in their time of trouble.  In the Precious Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.

-Dawn-