My Heavenly Conversation With Papa

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:1-2 ESV 

“Where do you believe heaven is?” my 86-year-old father asked.

Some of the most spiritual and philosophical conversations I’ve had in my life have been with Papa. This was no different. Our conversations are often about heaven, and not just because of his age. As we grow closer to Christ, our longing to be with him increases. I truly believe that we reach the point where our souls outlive this broken down world.

Much can be gained by being in the presence of an elderly person who chooses to spend his precious time learning all he can about God and eternity. Our society often looks upon the elderly in a sad way, especially those infirmed. But maybe, just maybe, God reveals things not only to those closest to him, but those closest to heaven. While my father’s earthly vision is almost gone, his eternal vision sharpens daily.

I shared with Papa that God who created the earth, the solar system, the vast innumerable galaxies, and all the wonders we haven’t seen and can’t grasp, surely can create our eternal home any place he chooses. Heaven could be a planet much like Earth was intended to be before sin entered our finite little world.

After all, the Bible says in Isaiah 40:22 that “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.”

Papa said he’d been thinking the same thing. We rejoiced that wherever heaven is, we'll both be in that glorious place one day, whole and untroubled. 

Our discussion turned to angels. He wondered if an angel escorts you to heaven when you die. After all, he couldn’t find Mercury or any other planet, if he had to.

Well, why not? It’s plausible we would get a heavenly escort on the most important day of our lives. Jesus shared an account of an angel escorting a beggar to heaven in Christ’s only parable believed to be a real-life event in Luke 16:19-31.

No matter how we get to heaven, it’ll be the most exciting journey we’ve ever experienced!

Even more exciting is knowing that God has an infinite array of choices for eternity unhindered by our finite thinking. At the same time, he instills a desire in our soul for all things eternal. He wants us to question and wonder.

God also chose my godly father. I cherish every conversation and insight this wise, godly man shares with me.

I challenge you to slow down and do the same with the elders in your family. Far from a waste of time, it’ll be time well spent. Possibly the best time ever.

Have you been blessed by a conversation with a wise elder or someone else you cherish? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below, along with any prayer requests you may have.