Dear Ones,
One of my favorite authors, C.S. Lewis, wrote: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked with a mere mortal.” One of the most amazing truths I learned because my daughter went to heaven was that one day, ONE GLORIOUS DAY, every single person we interact with will be our best friend. Forever.
Just think about this with me for a second.
The cranky, mean old neighbor that lives next door, will one day, if she says yes to Jesus’ invitation, be my neighbor again. She won’t be mean, and I won’t be worried about how she treated us on earth. That all is wiped away. I will truly see her and she will see us as the wonderful children of God we are. We will *gasp* LOVE each other and enjoy each other’s company. This could be possible (I suppose) here on earth during my lifetime, but it probably won’t happen. As they say, “It would take a miracle.”
Or the homeless people I eat with twice a month- think of that! In our eternity, we’ll be free to delight in life together, and our brief interactions on earth will be a source of endless joy to our hearts as we discover the home in Paradise Jesus made for them.
Let’s even go back to childhood. There was a mean girl I knew in Kindergarten who made me feel so bad about myself. Her parents were rich; I remember how she wore big red bows in her perfect hair. I remember trying and failing to be her friend, over and over. I thought being her friend would mean I was accepted, and I never succeeded. But in heaven, we will be best friends forever! Without pride or shame, without comparison. We will be at rest with ourselves and others, not striving to gain anyone’s approval, because our identities are so sure. There are no questions of acceptance.
It reminds me of The Lord’s Prayer, when he asks for God’s will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven.” I think that means we can start living here what one day it will be like there. So for now on earth, I try to think about everyone I meet as a BFF. It helps me ignore the bad stuff about them, the annoying stuff, the offensive stuff. It also helps me get over myself. I can give myself grace in my imperfections, because I, too, will be perfect one day. I’m just not there yet.
I hope this gives you a new, eternal outlook on difficult relationships. I hope this helps you allow others time to grow and change while loving them every step of the way, knowing that when our true lives begin in eternity, the issues you had here won’t matter at all!
You are so loved,
Trish
Counted Worthy 