I often think of Nate and his present-day surroundings. He’s six months gone from us, which translates to six months in the presence of Jesus. Oh, how I wish I knew the extent of his experience! Scripture gives us an inkling, but for the most part, it’s all a question mark.
While walking the Lake Michigan wave-line today, I kept my eyes on the stones, as always. Because of winter’s wild waves, beach glass and choice rocks can easily be found at this time of year. Although I carried a collection bag, my mind was a million miles away, and I hadn’t picked up a single stone.
While I was walking in a familiar place, where was Nate walking? What was he doing? He’s already met Jesus and no doubt has been supernaturally humbled, falling to the ground as we all will when we see our Lord. But has that face-to-the-floor humility continued until now?
My uneducated guess is that once we’ve been brought into a completely right relationship with Jesus, he’ll touch us on the shoulder the way he did John (Revelation 1:17) and say, “Don’t be afraid. Let me show you some of the marvels of paradise and tell you things that will astound you.”
What has Nate seen? What has he been told? Is he gasping with delight? Weeping with gratitude? Singing praise on key? Laughing in unbounded joy?
Is he being told of specific times a guardian angel saved him from accidents? Is he being shown how his prayers were answered? Is he being given the exact meaning of every parable Jesus taught, both the biblical ones and the ones that never got written down? Is he receiving answers to all of his earthly “why” questions?
As I walked along the beach, I felt left out. I know I’m headed for the same miraculous experiences Nate is now having and wouldn’t dream of rushing God’s time table to get there, but I just wanted to understand even part of what was happening to him today. That’s all.
Watching hundreds of stones pass beneath my toes as I walked but picking up none, my eye suddenly landed on something special. Not even half an inch long, it was a stone of nondescript grey. The reason this tiny rock caught my eye, though, was its square shape and the perfect heart carved inside it.
I picked it up and stared at it. As I did, God flooded my mind with a message. “I realize you’re frustrated not knowing what’s happening to Nate. You’re also bothered by not being able to see me, and my interaction with him. You’d love to listen in on our conversation, wouldn’t you? But what about the conversation I’m trying to have with you today? See that stone in your hand? With a million rocks under your feet, what were the odds you’d find that one?”
I knew the answer: a million to one. Although there’s much I don’t know, I do know one critical thing. Jesus loves me. And as I turned toward home, I contributed to the conversation by saying, out loud, “Lord, I know you love me, and I’m thankful for that. I love you, too.”
“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” (1 Peter 1:8)
Beautiful,beautiful blog. Just reminds me to continue to “trust and obey”. God bless you for this site.
What a precious gift. Reminds me of your favorite pink sandals you found on the beach last fall. I love the little love notes God leaves for us. I think this one said, “Happy Mother’s Day” as well as “I love you.”
Wow, what a great gift from God!!
I wish I could walk on that shore right now and make a stone collection too =)..
I, too, have often wondered what our loved ones are doing in heaven and have many different images in my mind based on my earthly experiences, I’m sure none of my images come close to what heaven is really like. I love how God placed that particular stone in your path but that you saw it is the best part of the story. So often we miss what God has placed right before our eyes. I love how you weave your life and struggles through your blog in ways that draw me closer to God and appreciate how He cares for us today. Thanks for sharing your journey today.
Add another “Wow!” Everything points to the love, power, goodness and sovereignty of our Lord! He knows our thoughts, and responds to them.
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
Thank you for sharing such an intimate conversation between you and the Lord.
I hear the yearning in your heart, to be with Nate, to be with the Lord. I see the Lord, the Holy Spirit, walking beside you day to day, comforting and encouraging you, being your daily companion.
Hello,Margaret
Thank you for your blog. This is beautiful. I am waking up today, the first day of my new life. Last night a friend of mine, Jill, showed me how I too could have this happiness ya’ll have found. Today I know I will share eternity with Jesus. This blog has been part of God touching my heart and calling me to Himself. What a precious gift.
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for asking Jesus into your heart and life. My prayers have been answered, for you. Margaret, wear this “new” stone on a thin leather necklace, for Mother’s Day. Nate is still giving you jewelry, and his supplier is our Creator, Lord and Savior.
WOW, DOUBLE WOW !! PRAISE THE LORD !! that was such a beautiful testimony and don’t you just get thrilled beyond words sometimes at His ‘little gifts’ of encouragement? I “AMEN” all of the above comments and for “Anonymous” how Awesome !! Welcome to the ‘family’..may today be the best day of the rest of your week..the truly “best” is yet to come.
God Bless.
My heart is stirred to see how God manifests Himself to us in so many ways. This story that you have share should lead all of us to continue to walk in faith as we move closer to meeting Jesus. Thank for your blog and the encouragement that it gives me. The Lord uses you reflections to help me see Jesus. Thank you Margaret.
Amen! I’ve been in conversation with a friend about all the ways God is around us every day – many times, without our seeing Him or understanding that He is there – but then, He leaves his signs, like a rock with a heart, to remind us again of His everlasting presence with us, and with those we love. Thank you, dear one, for continuing to include the rest of us on your journey – I’ve grown deeper (as mitochondria in the Wind in the Door) because of you.
Hi Margaret… and Anonymous,
Gosh, the Lord has reached out to both of your hearts in different ways.
That is quite a rock, Margaret. When we seek Him we find Him, and it is so obvious you have been doing that because He is showing up in some of the most unusual and faith building ways… for all of us reading. Since you DID find that stone, the odds were actually 1!! But that’s exactly how the Lord played that probability. 🙂
Anonymous- you have made the best and most important decision of your life- well done. And well done, Jill to care about your friend.
“Lord, only You could draw Margaret to that rock and Anonymous to Your cross, both a demonstration of Your heart and perfect knowledge of exactly what they needed. Continue to till the soil of their hearts to seek You and be built up in their faith. Amen.”
Love,
Terry
I am so happy that Anonymus has become a child of God. Margaret, you have used your writing talent and experiences in life and obeyed the Holy Spirit when you heard his call to write your blog. It has affected many, including my self, to think about you and what you have gone through. In many ways it has coused me to think about what Christ has for me and how I will deal with those things that come to everyone in life. Keep up! You are a blessing to all. Thanks
And this is a Praise the Lord!! How great is our Lord and how personal He is.