A friend just sent me the kindest text message. One that let me know that he was thinking of me today (My wedding anniversary is today; Julie and I were married on 6/10/00). Friends are the best! His text lit me up inside…with thoughts about Julie and Heaven. I sent him a text reply back. It all felt so good to think about and write that it made me want to share it with you; so that’s what I decided to do. I hope it brings you some warmth too.

(my reply to my friend)
“…those are some Really heartwarming thoughts on heaven. Eternal paradise. What a glorious Finish Line awaits us! I ran a lot of races on a track when I was growing up. So my mind is picturing life as a track…with each of us running our own race…passing others at times…and sometimes getting passed. But it makes no difference what place we finish in. The important thing is that we existed. Ran. Experienced. Got to love & be loved. I picture angels in the stands — rowdy&exhilarated angels — cheering us on with such reassurance…reassurance that we are ok…reassurance that heaven is proud of us for trying & loving. i picture God in multiple places….God is in the stands high-up in the announcers booth, where he can see all. And i picture & feel God on the track, running alongside each of us. i can also picture & feel him with those that are not running…those that are watching…those that are stretching and waiting. I picture &feel him as a gentle coach. gentle not-as-in weak…but the kind of gentleness that can move mountains…the kind of gentleness that comes from knowing…knowing that it’s worth it…knowing that everything is going to be ok…. gloriously ok! what warm thoughts to start this day with. THANK YOU, Robert. YOU are an eternal blessing. Yes you are. HAPPY to run with you. &HAPPY to run with Julie. We were married 14years ago today! She crossed her finish line 10 years ago…yet i know that she didn’t leave with any kind of ill intent. She left because she was faster than me! I also know that she is still close by cheering me on…and able to run by my side at a moments notice…during special days of celebration like this one…and during moments when i cramp-up and feel defeated, confused &fed up. During tough times I feel that God’s grace allows her to gently nudge me forward. During all times i feel incredibly blessed to have been given an opportunity to experience all the sensations that this world has to offer. &During all times i feel incredibly blessed for what awaits me at the finish line. THANK YOU for remembering this special day. THANK YOU for your friendship.”