A Glimpse

On springtime lovely days like this, I want to have a picnic, spend time with friends, go on a walk, play piano, and read a favorite book while sitting by a window. I want to write about things that matter like faith and family and friendship. I want to notice that on such a good day, God has given us a small glimpse of the joy to come.

And then I remember I’m in grad school, and I start reminding myself of the never ending to-do lists and responsibilities…and then I realize my mistake. I stop. I notice the breeze and the blue sky, and I go to the picnic.

Why the sudden change in my academic diligence? Because life is much too short not to have a picnic. And now, oddly enough, more than ever, I am so thankful that life is so very short because there are some people I dearly miss waiting in the Garden, waiting to welcome me home.

So I will continue on, I will forge my path, I will set my eyes on the joy set before me, the reward waiting for me, and when God gives me a small glimpse of Heaven, I will capture it with words. I will write, and I will remember. So that on days when I have trouble finding the light, I will read the words and know. I will know what lies ahead. And that truth will light a flame within me, and the flame will grow brighter and stronger as I read each word of hope, until it is all-consuming…until the light pours forth from me for all to see; for all to see that He is the one who brings us peace. He is the one who brings us joy. And then I will see the glimpse again…and perhaps others will see it, too.

After all, isn’t that to be our sole purpose in life?