Dear one,
I know that you suffer. I know that you have been through some desperately dark times. I know that you have been judged harshly by men and women and children. I know you have made mistakes. I know that you have been abused by those who should love you, and used by those who should help you. I know that you have been taken advantage of, mistreated, and misunderstood. I know that you always have to be strong.
I know that you are afraid.
I know I don't tell you enough that I love you.
You have been there for me, always, when I needed it. You have a big heart. You care for others. You help when you can. You try to please everyone. You love to make children laugh and to put company at their ease. You would prevent all your dear ones from suffering if you could. Even those who mistreated you still have a safe place in your heart. You are gracious and kind.
I would share with you the most precious thing in my life - my faith. Please listen - just this once. I know you think you've heard it all before, but not from me. For that I'm truly, deeply sorry.
You see, I thought you would just see faith in me, and that would be enough. But I am weak, and my light is dim. My own choices sometimes make it hard to shine. So I am writing you this letter because I can't loose you without a fight.
I want to dance with you in Heaven.
Heaven is real. God is real. Jesus is real. The Spirit of God is my strength. This is what sustains me through my own dark times. Earth, this miserable, painful life we live here, is just the tiniest part of reality.
God made you. You will live forever. God wants you to live forever with Him. Jesus wants you at His feast, in His kingdom. He is preparing a place for you. For you. For YOU.
You have to want it, though. You wouldn't want someone in your home, at your party, around your children, if they didn't really want to be there. You wouldn't want a diva ruining your celebrations with her drama. You wouldn't allow an intruder to scare your children or destroy your home.
You can't come to the party if you don't RSVP. Jesus died to punch your ticket, but it must be picked up in advance. Every breath brings us closer to eternity. Choosing selfishness - my way or no way - is what keeps us from God. Sin is just putting self first. So, admit it. We've all done it. Put our own needs and desires and comfort ahead of God's wishes. I know I have. But I know that Jesus fixed that, because God knew I would never be perfect. Jesus was. As long as I can admit that I'm not, but that Jesus was, and can believe that Jesus wants me to come Home to joy, I am welcome at the party.
Please think about that. Because what we are talking about is the rest of forever. We will be forever separated. Our time here will be all there is for us. It's been hard not seeing you as much as I'd like here. If you can't accept that God wants you at the party, we will be separated forever. This time here will be all there is for us.
I don't like that thought. In fact, it breaks my heart and makes me cry. I would miss you. I like knowing you are there...just a phone call, a shout, away. Imagine forever. No pain, no suffering, no misery. Just joy. Walking together with the others we love, sharing in the beauty we were made for before our own stupid, sinful choices got in the way.
Why would you reject that? Fear? Pain? Embarrasment?
Would you let such trivial things keep you from me?
Believing that God created you, loves you, wants you to be in Heaven might seem crazy, but can you believe that I love you and want you around forever?
If you can't, it's my fault. I'm sorry that I failed to let you know how special you are to me. I do love you. I want to dance with you in heaven.
Won't you pray for Jesus to open the door?
I love you.
