For starters, what's Eternity like? I think of our vacations in Maine, when we finally drive away from our little cabin by the Atlantic and we say "It feels like we just got here - how can it be over?!" Or our sons' or daughters' or daughter-in-law's families are driving away and we say to each other "How can they be leaving? It feels like they just got here!" This must be what Eternity is like - it's so wonderful that we ALWAYS feel like we just got there!! And - it's never over!
But what do we DO there? Sing classical music around God's Throne dressed in white robes? Well, does only classical music count with God? We should rule out all those wonderful Jazz, Blues, Rock, and Swing artists who are obviously inspired composers and musicians?
Frankly, I'm with that little boy who hoped that he'd hear "We Will Rock You" in Heaven! Whatever we do well here, with great love in our hearts, we'll continue to do - and be - in Heaven - because that's who and what we are. I certainly hope Paul's Uncle Gus and his brothers continue to sing Barbershop harmonies and that my son is composing and singing music to rival Pearl Jam's. I hope every writer continually has a new poem, novel, or short story waiting to be written, every explorer continually has a new place to explore, every artist is always creating a new painting or sculpture, every gardener finds new beds to work in, every athlete enjoys working at his favorite sports, every cook thinks of new dishes to invent - for the heavenly Banquet. And we'll do it all with astounding love and joy, without growing tired, achy, or bored!
God will certainly never be bored. He'll be continually entertained by us.
I also hope to see my Grand-dog Beauty and Grand-cats Pandora and Louis in Heaven. God promises us a new Heaven and a new Earth, all of creation made new, because God loves and lives within all of Nature that comes forth from His creating hand, not just humans. Animals, birds, fish, insects, reptiles, oceans, rivers, mountains, deserts, valleys, meadows, moons, stars, planets, galaxies and solar systems -- all will be transfigured into incredible, eternal beauty - who and what they are to absolute perfection.
I still hope to live in Heaven in a little cabin, surrounded by magnificent firs, beside a wonderful, mysterious ocean...
And - how absolutely incredible it will be to live with our families and friends in perfect peace and charity, and get to know our ancestors and everyone who has lived after us. Heaven sounds like one long party with a chance to truly get to know, be inspired by, and enjoy every honored guest.
So, think of every moment you've been filled with indescribable joy, or overwhelmed by love, or completely awe-struck by beauty. Close your eyes and return to that moment. That's a taste of Heaven - really! Because - That's encountering God, in Himself and in all His creation. That's Heaven, beginning for you, here and now.