I've mentioned dichotomies before, seeing the Ugly-come-Beautiful and being thankful when I have things and when I don't have those same things. I'm discovering a new dichotomy, two things contradictory yet co-existing, that is, eagerly desiring Heaven yet begging God to prolong it's coming.

Our small group is going through a study on Heaven and we are exploring the hints given in the Bible and stretching our imaginations to attempt to comprehend what Heaven is like. Randy Alcorn, the author of the book we're going through, describes an experience similar to my own where he snorkeled in the ocean and witnessed sights, colours, and creatures beyond imagination that caused him to audibly gasp. This must be what Heaven is like! These moments on earth that fill us with wonder and take our breath away are glimpses f the creativity, the joyful excess, and extravagance of God. How much greater will Heaven be? C.S. Lewis describes the physical fruit of Paradise in his Narnia novels. Think of the juiciest, most delightful fruit you can imagine, now multiply it's goodness tenfold, one hundredfold, and still the fruit in Heaven is more delectable! I am so thankful for the good things God gives us here because they show me God's extravagance and cause me to yearn all the more for His eternal presence in Heaven. Lord haste the day!

But I wonder, if that day were today, how many people would be lost? How many people are in the process of discovering Jesus, but haven't yet? How many people sit at coffee shops with Christians and struggle through theology or questions about life? How many people think they are saved but are so far from the truth? How many people are still rough soil, waiting to be softened, waiting for the initial seed to be planted? I'm safe and sound in the life boat, but don't pull us up yet, there are more still swimming! Lord, wait!

And then it makes sense. Lord, why don't you just come back now and bring us all to Heaven? Why? Because You are Sovereign, and you are patient. Oh God, are you patient! God is long-suffering, because His love is so immense. He gently waits for me and turns me around when I go the wrong direction, and He does the same for all his children. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Wow. Lord haste the day that my faith shall be sight, yet, thank you for your patience! Use me to bring people to You. Use me to haste the day by helping complete that list in the Book of Life.

85. creativity and design!
86. blue star fish
87. immenseness of oceans
88. coral
89. the ability to swim
90. devices and tools that allow us to explore underwater
91. the emotion of astonishment
92. those "gasp" moments
93. mangoes
94. Ugandan pineapple
95. Kiwis!
96. imagination
97. God's sovereignty
98. spell check
99. dictionary.com
100. God's patience, His long-suffering for us
101. dalmatians. just thought of that one, they are quite beautiful and unique..
102. God's grace in using broken vessels to work for His Kingdom
103. that God even saves any of us! wow! For He might not have.