She Comes Home in 48 Hours!

I sent my 14 year old daughter off to Washington DC and New York for eight days. She was going with her 8th grade class to visit all the historical museums, memorials, monuments, and buildings that are the political foundation of the United States America. Throw in a Broadway play, shopping in Times Square, and a Yankees game, and she had the opportunity to experience a trip of a lifetime!

And I didn't go with her...I wanted to make those memories with her. I wanted to share in all those amazing experiences and take pictures together capturing those moments. But I didn't go...As I saw her walk off with her friends at the airport my heart literally lurched in my chest. Wait! Wait for me! She can't go by herself. I will go to protect her. I will be there just in case anything goes wrong. If she gets sick I can handle it. If she has friend troubles I will guide her through it. I will make sure she doesn't get lost, brings her jacket if it’s cold, has her umbrella in case it rains, gets enough sleep, eats right, puts her money in a safe place...and, and, and! But I didn't go!

I knew, deep in my heart, that I had to begin the painful process of her growing up and making decisions and choices without me. She turns 18 and goes off to college in four years! I know I have to spend this precious time I have left, helping her prepare to face the world on her own. It was time to start letting her go. 

"GOD! I am not strong enough to do this! I think this is cruel and unusual punishment. She has never even been on a plane or out of the state without us! So many bad things can happen. So many things can go wrong. She is not ready. I don't like going to bed at night and not seeing her in her room. We drive to school every morning together. It will be quiet and lonely. I would never recover if something happened to her. It's like a piece of my heart is missing already and it hurts!"

"Kimberley, my precious, hysterical child, I GOT THIS! Her name is written on the palm of my hand. I created her and have a plan for her life. Give me your anxiety, your worries, your fear, and let me comfort you and give you strength to carry on. Your job is to love Lakin and raise her to be independent and have faith in Me! You have been teaching her since she was little to be courageous and confident for such a time as this! She is the daughter of a mighty, mighty King who loves her beyond anything you can imagine. Trust me with your daughter!" 

Worry happens when we assume responsibility God never intended us to have.

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Demand List For Heaven

Dear God,

The Bible describes heaven with streets made of gold, as pure as transparent glass. The foundations of the walls made from precious stones. The gates made of pearls. There will be no more disease, dying, sorrow, pain, or tears! While that does sound exciting, I have decided that if I am going to be spending eternity there I would like to offer up some suggestions for my extended stay. Just a few things that maybe might not seem a big deal to many but would make my "Heavenstay" really enjoyable :)

No Calories, not a one. Even the triple chocolate Pazookie from Oreganos.  In the same line of thinking nothing should be made fat free. If it doesn't have fat in it why bother? It's like drinking non-alcoholic beer. Or coffee without caffeine. An ice cream sundae without whip cream and a cherry. Pointless.

Everyone can dance, even Oprah. It's a sad day to watch the awkwardness of some people dancing, especially when they think they are John Travolta from Saturday Night Fever. Let everyone have some rhythm for when we are dancing in the streets.

Bikinis (all in good taste) look good on everyone! On Earth trying on bathing suits is a traumatic and horrifying event for 98% of women. It's up there with ripping all your body hair off with hot wax. I want to run free in my two piece without the thought of anything falling out or looking ridiculous.

Mosquitoes and Cockroaches Banned. I know you are the creator of everything but these things are just nasty. Anything that can live without it's head or through a nuclear explosion is creepy. Mosquitoes are terribly annoying and ruin most picnics. The repellent we have to use takes away the natural smells of nature around us.

No Gaps in Our Favorite (appropriate of course) TV Shows. It used to be a season meant more than 13 episodes. Now there are so many breaks it seems like there is always a hiatus or a rerun. We just need consistency in our lives.

Teachers Get "Paid" As Much As (or at least closer) Sports Stars. I realize I became an educator knowing money was not going to be the goal. But teachers spend more time with children than their parents, shaping the lives of the future. And while dunking a basketball or pitching a perfect game is incredible, A-Rod gets paid 170,000 per game. A teacher would have to work 4 1/2 years to make what he makes in 2 hours. 

A Big Selection of Books. I love to read and am worried with so many people in heaven I might have trouble checking out books. I am hoping the library will have all my favorite authors. Maybe people who never read on Earth will become avid readers in heaven!

Frequently Asked Questions Handout. I am sure people come up with A LOT of questions; many are probably the same ones. Maybe we could get a "Guide to Heaven" with all those answered and a map to get around? Could you also include the typical daily schedule and heaven expectations? I wouldn't want to take a wrong turn or something! Being organized is always a good thing, don't you think?

I am looking forward to hanging out with You and Jesus! I have so much to talk to you about! I know you have prepared a home for us and you have GOT THIS! 

Love,

Kimberley

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4