Wondering About Heaven - Updated

I originally wrote this post two years ago...and this has been on my mind again today. I feel like the day ought to be remembered as it was a wonderful occasion, joining two beautiful hearts as one, and two families became united in a unique relationship that doesn't stop at the grave. Cancer is a deadly foe, but it can't destroy the love that lasts for eternity.
 
We miss our son in so many ways...but we are thankful for the marvelous memories that we have and also for the gift of our one and only grandchild that came as a result of this union.  Matthew's legacy lives on in his son and will continue on in the generations to come.

Nicole, Matthew, and their son Noah, February, 2014

Original Post 8/7/2014:
Not sure what to write today.  It is the 21st wedding anniversary of my son Matthew and his wife Nicole.

But Matthew is in heaven...since May 25th of this year. I wonder if he has thought about this day at all from his vantage point in heaven?  Don't you sometimes wonder what people in heaven think about? I do.
Especially since my son joined my parents (his maternal grandparents), his paternal grandfather,

1993: Wedding Rehearsal party, Matt greeting his
Grandpa Mursch who just arrived.   Looking on
is his Granddaddy Steiner and Nanny Steiner.  I wonder
if this was how they greeted each other in heaven?

Granddaddy Steiner, Grandma Mursch, and Grandpa Mursch (my parents),
Who were all waiting for Matthew when he arrived in heaven.

I wonder if Matthew is dancing with his Grandma on the streets of gold tonight?

and all the other greats and great-great ancestors. And all the saints of old...and of course, Jesus Himself, first of all and best of all.

Regarding marriage in heaven, Jesus said, "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven."  Matthew 22:30

This does not mean that people in heaven won't recognize or know their spouse or loved ones, but only that those relationships are no longer necessary in heaven. We will all be like the angels of God...everyone will love everyone equally is what that says to me. One very big family reunion!

The other day I was sitting on the sun porch, watching the birds in the back yard flitting to and fro, busily gathering seeds and flying back to their nests possibly to feed their young, and I was suddenly aware of the feeling that I was not alone.

I don't say this to give anyone the heebie-jeebies or make you think I'm weird. (You probably already do, so this will be no great revelation!)  I was actually thinking of how much my parents would have enjoyed this home and the surroundings, and how pleased they would be to know that I had such a home to enjoy. They both had already passed on when we were able to buy this house...actually it is because of their gift to their children as our inheritance that we were able to even consider this place. But that is another story...and a miraculous one at that.

No, what I was thinking was that perhaps my parents and grandparents and all those before them could be smiling down upon this scene and rejoicing with us. That's when I remembered that they were actually sitting right behind me on the shelves, well, at least their pictures were, and it gave me such a feeling of peace. Hard to explain, but it was a good feeling, and I had to stop and give thanks for such wonderful parents and grandparents...all who set a godly example for me...and who loved all their children with such a tender sweetness.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let  us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him

endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

How can I sum this up? Here are some thoughts for my own self and perhaps for you as well:

• When you are feeling sad or lonely, or missing  loved ones who have gone on to their heavenly home, picture them happy in heaven. 
• Don't dwell on the sorrow or the emptiness.  Dwell on the joy that is now theirs, and will some day be yours.
• Don't get bogged down by circumstances that you are unable to change here.  Focus your eyes on Jesus, "The Author and Finisher of our faith...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..."
• Run your race with confidence and endurance...the reward of heaven is in sight.
• "Be at peace among yourselves." I Thessalonians 5:13
• "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  I Thessalonians 5:16-18

This gives me a sense of peace and comfort tonight. I hope there is something here for you too. 

Have a blessed day my friend.