A Glimpse of Heaven

The view was spectacular! As we drove through the winding roads of western Wisconsin, Daniel and I were captivated by the gorgeous vistas.

The various green shades of the trees intermingled with the sky blues and the wisps of cloud white. Later as evening began to descend with a radiant sunset, the brilliance of a full moon illuminated the otherwise darkened sky.

I marveled at God’s goodness.

His grace is endless. And His might … breathtaking!

Imagine, with just a few simple words, He brought into being all we behold. Even more amazing is that He didn’t speak it drab. He spoke it into existence in infinite color shades, a plethora of textures, and an astounding array of fascinating shapes and sizes.

All of this just for me! For my delight—and yours! All of this to refresh our souls!

God could have made our world devoid of color. What would that look like? Would everything be stark black (not reflecting any light) or some other “noncolor” that we don’t even have a name for? Either way, I don’t relish living in such a place!

Instead, the Almighty chose to entertain us. To brighten our days—even those most dismal of days. To inspire and encourage, so we can enjoy and endure!

And, although the Creator is changeless, His creation is constantly transforming!

Just look at the moon. Sometimes it is bright, other times more dingy looking; sometimes full, other times half or even just a sliver. For a few days out of the month, we cannot even see it.

And who can forget the seasons. Autumn in temperate climates brings a spectacular show of transition as various hues of green give way to reds, oranges, yellows, and browns—a riot of colors. Winter brings its own shades of white and gray and dazzling sunlight bouncing off the snow, bright red cranberries contrasting starkly with the blanket of whiteness, and deep green conifers guarding mysteries in the shadows. Spring is life renewed: tender pinks peeking out of cool soil, bright green leaves slowly unfurling from the buds, and little critters beginning their existence. And summer is a time of maturation: plants open wide to soak in the sun, young leave the protective family fold to strike out on their own, and seeds await the nod to burst forth.

This is God’s precursor to heaven’s splendor!

It is His grace poured out on us: glimmers of hope, purpose, and love.

God presents this blessed gift of beauty as a reminder of things to come and a reflection of His magnificence. A magnificence that all believers will one day stand in the presence of.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1).

I would love to know what incredible view you think is God’s ultimate. Is it the mystery of a deep, dark forest; the crashing of ocean waves; the barrenness of craggy mountaintops; the simple rustling of a graceful prairie? What landscape speaks to your soul? Post a comment and let me know.