The Mirriam Webster online dictionary defines heaven as:
1 : the expanse of space that seems to be over the earth like a dome
2 a often capitalized : the dwelling place of the Deity and the joyful abode of the blessed dead b : a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God
3 capitalized : GOD 1
4 : a place or condition of utmost happiness
5 Christian Science : a state of thought in which sin is absent and the harmony of divine Mind is manifest
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I’ve always thought about heaven. What it is and where it is, at least where I think it is. I’m a Christian by faith. I believe in God the father, Jesus the son and the Holy Spirits. I practice my faith, in that I read my bible, pray, and live my life honestly. I help others, pray with and for others, share my faith and beliefs with others. I do not however, impose my beliefs or my opinions on others. I do not try to convince them to change their opinions to my way of thinking. It is after all their opinions and beliefs.
This morning while getting ready for work I had the television on as usual on Good Morning America and they were talking about the death of Pope John Paul II (May he rest in peace). They mentioned that a lot of people would say that he is going to heaven; or his soul will be in heaven; or if anyone deserves to be in heaven it’s the Pope. Then they went around asking different people what their belief of heaven is, and/or where did they think heaven was? The answers were varied. Some said it was a garden; it was a place of peace; somewhere up in the sky; somewhere people go when they die.
That got me to reflect again wondering what is heaven and where do I think heaven is?
Heaven to me is the place where God promises us eternal life. Where, when I think about it, I get that unexplainable feeling inside, of joy, of well-being. Where I believe my mom and dad and all my loved ones are. Let’s face it, they were good people and didn’t do anything in their lifetime that would cause them to be elsewhere, so to me, they are in heaven. It’s the place where God lives. To me, heaven is right here on this earth. Except that we can’t see it, not until we die and our physical presence is not of this earth.
It’s like being in another place, where you are alive and well without the cumbrances that are of this earthly world. Where you will never get sick, never cry; never feel pain, where you will live the rest of your eternal life, living in peace, love and worshiping. This to me is heaven.
With that said, I also believe in reincarnation – in addition to the many times I’ve had that “déjà vu” feeling of having been someplace before, doing and saying something that is so familiar, as if I’ve done this, said this, saw this happened before. In my homeland, some children are called “old souls” because of how they behave, as if they’ve been here (on earth, in this life) before; and life after death – because our body may die, but our souls never do. The many experiences I’ve had, and the dreams that are sometimes too hard to explain. These are my own personal beliefs.
Some people may scoff and be skeptical in their reaction to my beliefs. Some may reason that as Christians (or believers), we have to think this way because this is how we comfort ourselves and this is what makes us feel good.
Perhaps they are correct. And then again, perhaps they’re not. Perhaps they think that way because it is what comforts them, it is what makes their world real to them and justifies their beliefs. To each is own.
I don’t let that bother me. I am what I am and I believe what I believe.
What, may I ask are your thoughts on this – what is heaven and where do you think it is?