Two days ago I had an experience that I don't even know what to name. I wasn't asleep. I knew I was dreaming - like a daydream? But it was so intense and so much more than just my normal imagination. I would have never really thought up this kind of stuff. I do have a very vivid imagination, but this seemed different. I don't know if it would be called a vision because I've never had a vision before. I always thought visions were like John had and you are taking somewhere that you feel physically you are there. My experience wasn't like that either. SO I don't know what to call it but it was beautiful. Maybe someone out there could help me catagorize it. I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget.
I was in heaven, and there was such noise - people screaming, laughing, all of it joyful and unbelievably loud! There were so many people, but I didn't concentrate on the number, for I was having a moment with every person that is dear in my life. I hugged my children and they were nothing but smiles. My youngest son said, "I get to grow up in heaven, just like I hoped!" We laughed. (He has often mentioned this hope to me in his life.) My daughter was beautiful; my husband was overjoyed! But then I saw Jesus, and He was just watching His children, all of us having our moments of joy. I walked towards Him and He smiled at me, such beauty! He took my hand and we walked. "We have somewhere to go," He said. I didn’t cry; I didn’t fall to His feet. I just let Him gently take my hand and lead me.
Now, I have an ongoing "inside joke" with Jesus. Since I was a child, I always pictured sitting by a stream with Jesus and just talking. We have a "date" for this in this future, He assures me. We come to this stream, the very one I imagined. We sit on the soft, green grass and look at the cool, clear water and I lay my head on His chest and just rest. All of my earthly worries dissolve in Him and He strokes my hair with love.
In heaven, every moment, every action, is done with such purpose. As we then walk down a gravel road, every step is joyful, as He walks next to me. I can't take my eyes off of Him, and He smiles to Himself. We stop and He points ahead of us to a most amazing sight. I have always loves castles since I was a child, and now I know why. Before me is the most beautiful castle I have ever seen.
“This is your home,” He says to me. We go inside and He begins to show me around. My mind flashes back to a childhood memory of playing in an old granary. This castle had the same layout, the same feel, the same atmosphere of what it felt like to be a child in a place of fun and play. I wish I could explain it better.
In the dining room is a huge, long table for me to seat and serve many loved ones as guests. Jesus showed me the kitchen and the vast gardens that surrounded the castle, so that I could cook to my heart’s content. (He knows I love to cook.) Then He said, “But this is not what I wanted to show you.” We went down a long hallway to a big red door. He opened it and I went inside. I was immediately on earth, seeing dark, stormy skies and in the distance was Jesus on the cross. Since I have been in heaven and was now without sin in a perfect body, I felt the weight of sin bearing down on me. I just stared at the lifeless body of Christ and was overcome with sadness at what He had done for me. I felt Jesus’ hand on my shoulder and was pulled back through the doorway. I was so grateful to be away from that place and the deep despair I felt.
We came to another door and inside was a huge circular room with bookshelves clear up to the high ceilings. There were thousands and thousands of books. Jesus told me that inside these books were the answers to every question that ever existed. I could not wait to get a hold of these books and just dive in. (He knows I love to read.)
Next, He brought me to a large white door and he opened it to a beautiful white room. “This is the bridal chamber,” He said to me. This is where you and I will have our moments together, to talk, to laugh, for you to find out who I really am.”
We went to a large wooden door, but He didn’t open this one. “Inside are all of the stories you will witness first hand. You can go back and witness creation, Noah and the Ark or even your children when they were babies. Any moment of earth can be seen here.”
Next we came to a large golden door, but He didn’t open this one either. “If you walk through this door, you will immediately be taken to the New Jerusalem. You may visit heaven and earth as you wish.”
Next we came to a large door that opened to a big night sky, full of stars of every color. “Here you will be able to visit all of my creation, not just earth, but every planet and universe out there.” (He knows I love to travel.)
He shut this door and I eagerly awaited Him to show me the next door. “That is all I have to show you,” He said. I was so disappointed and I said, “This castle is so large, filled with hundreds of other doors that you haven’t shown me. What is behind those doors?”
“Those are for your future favorite places, for your new memories and adventures. I want you to decide what is behind those doors.”
I looked at Him, His beautiful face, and I cried. He wiped away a tear and said, “No more of that.”
The End.
It was a wonderful experience that made me so homesick for heaven. But what surprised me the most was how personable heaven was to me. Jesus prepared this place for me, knowing my heart, my likes and my desires. What a beautiful Savior! How could it be that He loves me that much!
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