Heaven on Earth

When my husband told me he was going to San Diego for a work trip and asked if I wanted to join him, I jumped at the chance. I was itching for a getaway! The plan was for me to explore on my own while he attended meetings. In the evenings, we would go out together, and after his conference ended, we would rent our own Airbnb for three days.

I went into the trip with few expectations, other than a desire to see something new and unwind, so I was pleasantly surprised when that week unfolded into a series of rejuvenating experiences, each a refresher on relaxation and delight. I averaged 18,000 steps per day, spent hours soaking in the ocean views, ate delicious food, drank gallons of robust coffee, talked to locals, and marveled at all the kinds of people out and about running, biking, roller skating, surfing, and playing beach volleyball. The city felt ALIVE and inspiring! Troy and I had so much fun being carefree and adventurous.

My favorite ritual was waking up early and heading to a quaint little coffee shop that overlooked the water. By 8:00 a.m., it would be bustling with people heading to work, older couples, families, and other tourists like me. I would sit outside with my Kindle and read for as long as I wanted, which felt luxurious! After nearly everyone I know recommended “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi, I had finally downloaded it before heading to the airport and was now understanding what all the fuss was about. It’s the kind of story that inspires you to be a better human being and restores your faith in the power of love.

This passage in particular really stuck with me:

Looking back on that moment, He realized that, in the time between the quarter hour before sunset and the first star of dusk, somehow under the spell of that April evening in France, his splintered heart had begun to heal. It would happen in fits and starts. It would be healing that would never, at least in this life, be total or final. But it was the moment when the fever broke for him. And the moment when heaven took possession of his soul. 

That last line gave me chills. Just the way it was worded evoked clarity and longing. Would it really be possible, right here in this fallen world, as broken as I am, in the midst of lingering grief and confusion, for heaven to take possession of my soul? What does that mean? What would it look like? What would it require?

In Theo’s life, this inner transformation manifested itself through loving curiosity, awe and wonder, attentive listening, simplicity, proactive generosity, humility, and the promotion of art and beauty. He was a breath of fresh air- a taste of heaven for those on earth. I wanted to know him, and to emulate him. 

In his book, “Painless, Blameless and Peaceful: Orthodox Reflections on Death, Dying, and Eternal Life,” Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis writes,

If life is a practice for heaven, and heaven will be a place of light, rest, and refreshment, then we need to practice these things in life. We need to find places of light, rest, and refreshment that are godly and learn to enjoy them. And we need to promote, encourage, and share things that are light, restful, refreshing, and God-honoring with people around us.

The lifelong work of self-emptying and the suffering required to get there become paradoxically joyful when my ”why” for existing is getting out of my own way and making room for heaven to take possession of my soul. With every trial and acknowledgment of my woundedness, powerlessness, and sinfulness, I’m being broken open and purged of stubbornness, pride, darkness, envy, greed, and bitterness.  Come, Lord Jesus, and fill my emptiness with warmth and light that never fades and can never be defeated! 

We are blessed with choice, the free will to pursue heavenly habits and perspectives. We are free to live and love like Theo, emanating hope and compassion like a beautiful fragrance. We are free to choose, every day, to intentionally speak words that uplift, to meditate on light and loveliness, to get out there and create, serve, share our gifts and talents! 

How will you practice for heaven today? How will you inspire others to do the same?