One summer when I was visiting my grandparents, I became acquainted with a girl my age and we quickly became pals. We were in our early teens and like most teenagers we were inquisitive and was interested in meetings guys our age. It turned out to be a fun summer and before long I was resettled in my hometown with my parents. I cherished our wonderful memories.
Many years later when I went back to my grandparents’ home for a visit, I heard that she too, was back for her vacation. I wanted to see her so we could reminisce about the good times we had that summer those many years ago. With excitement welling up I went to her house and knocked on her door. When she approached me I asked her with great anticipation, “Do you remember me?” She looked at me with that sharp look of wonder and replied, “no.” With the attempt to probe her memory, I uttered my name. “It’s me, Jan.” That didn’t help; my name meant nothing to her. Surprised I responded, “What? You don’t remember that summer when we had been double dating and did all sorts of fun things together?”
“No. I’m sorry but I don’t remember you,” she said apologetically. She didn’t even have a vague memory of who I was at all. What could I do next? There was nothing I could say to help penetrate those magnificent memories we shared. I walked away feeling so disappointed.
As I pondered those moments, my thoughts focused on heaven. I thought, “If my friends won’t know me here on earth then will they at least know me in heaven?” I have many friends and relatives who have gone to their eternal home. I wondered if we would know each other. The Bible reveals many Scriptures on heaven.
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” (Revelation 7:9 NIV)
Yes, many will be there! I will be looking for my loved ones. That is my hope. The Bible says in Hebrews 11:16 that God has prepared a future for those who have placed their hope in Him. “Instead they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16 NIV)
“To find a friend one must close one eye; to keep him, two.” Norman Douglas
On the Journey!! Jan
