It’s a True Fairy-Tale Story – NOT!
Oh that life was a bed of roses and if we’re in Mexico – oh that life was a gorgeous Mexican sunflower or a Bird of Paradise flower, but I assure you, this ISN’T Paradise!
This morning we’re saying, “Hasta luego” (See you later) to this beautiful place where we have had plenty to do, see, relax in, eat in, and be treated like royalty in.
No matter whether we’re state-side or Mexico-side, or whatever-side – no place on this side of heaven and this life-on-earth is Paradise. And, the only way to achieve fairy-tale status is via becoming a fairy in a tale!
In an earlier blog I referred to this place as “paradise”. But lest my readers interpret this “paradise” as heaven, I assure you, it isn’t. In Paradise there is no more sickness or disease, no dying, no problems, or concerns; and the sun will always be shining.
For sun-seekers here, they were disappointed because it was cloudy for three days. I saw people being pushed in wheelchairs up steep grades; some were walking with a limp. I, for one, got a good case of “Montezuma’s revenge aka an intestinal infection”! Ugh!
That whining isn’t meant to discourage anyone from taking dream vacations, celebrating life, getting refreshed and, like for us, making sweet memories on our honeymoon.
I wrote this blog today with a heaven-on-earth mind and heart mindset. Paradise is only in heaven where there is no more heartache or sickness or pain. And because of our love relationship with God, we can look forward to our heavenly Paradise that awaits us someday.
In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 we read how the Apostle Paul was caught up (in spirit) to the third heaven, where Paradise is. It is the very kingdom that was promised by Jesus to those who receive Him as Lord and Savior. And it is not here on earth!
But, Lord, we want heaven on earth, and we want a script that reads “and they lived happily ever after”! So, what do we do when we’re just not feeling the joys and life really isn’t all “sugar and spice and everything nice” and when people and circumstances disappoint us?
I have come to know that even in life’s deepest disappointments, there’s a loving God ready to provide hope for our here and now that includes healing for our souls. This life is truly a journey of faith. It takes courage to navigate that journey.
And, because of God’s great love for us that He sent His only Son into this world – to live and die for our failures, our weaknesses, our struggles – and when we believe in Him with all our hearts — we do have the thrill of knowing WE WILL declare: “So, this is what Paradise is!” THAT, my friends, is our hope and our destiny!
I don’t think we can even imagine the glorious splendors of heaven and how blissfully happy and peaceful life will be up there. But in between heaven and earth, there is living to do. And I don’t mean the life of fun, excitement, fame, and fortune.
I mean a contented and joy-filled life on earth as it is in heaven. God loves us and if we put love first in everything we do, the returns will be true and lasting pleasures in this life…and beyond. And, how gloriously beautiful that is and what I hope to live in each day here AND there! How about you?