What does it mean to move heaven on earth? What does it mean to have life everlasting? I know the traditional answers here. I’m not looking for an altar call or an academic discussion on theology. That’s another beautiful conversation altogether for another time…
In terms of grief though, I believe that by witnessing my loved ones who have passed, in new ways, in which their love, energetic imprint, and goodness still remains on this earth and in my living, is just that. I’m not talking about being stuck in our grief stories. I’m not talking about an unhealthy relationship to the loss inasmuch that we don’t “move on.” I’m talking about infusing it all together and allowing their everlasting presence to be known, take shape and continue to light us up. Isn’t THAT heaven on earth?
Yesterday, thanks to some beautiful people, I was able to go to Patrick and Logan’s school and be with their classmates and teachers. This means the world to me, and I believe it means a lot to them as well. I brought glitter. I brought pizza (thanks to BOBBY’S Hot and Cheesy)! I brought my Baby Girl and arms open for hugs.
It. Was. Awesome. And it filled my soul and replenished me in ways that set me straight.
When it was all said and done, and the kids went back to class and I was cleaning up the pizza boxes, a man I had not met before came in the cafeteria and started wiping down tables. He asked if I need any help and he was wonderful and thoughtful since I also had my baby and the stroller, etc, etc… We struck up a conversation and I learned about his family. I offered him a whole pizza that was left over to take home and share with them. I learned that he’s only been working there for 6 months. So I introduced myself, and thanked him for his help.
“My name is Lindsay, and I can not thank you enough.”
“Nice to meet you. My name is Patrick.”
Boom.
Deep breath. Body melt.
Ground through the feet. Lift heart open.
“Well Patrick, that is one of my most favorite names ever. I hope you enjoy your pizza with your family tonight. You deserve it. What a pleasure it is to meet you (again).”
These moments happen ALLLLL the time. And they delight my soul and hurt so good and carry me to the next and the next and the next.
Heaven on earth. Everlasting life. Living these prayers in very real ways is perhaps what saves me.
What kind of moments do you have from loved ones beyond the Veil? How do they show themselves to you? What kind of presence do you feel from loved ones who have transformed and passed and yet remain so close? And how can we cultivate an openness and relationship to it if it is not yet your experience?
If you have not yet read the encounter I had with an elephant in Zimbabwe that illumined this whole concept for me in new ways, check it out by clicking here.
And feel the Love.