Tuesday, March 06, 2007

HEAVEN

I was raised to believe if I was good, I'd go to heaven. In heaven I'd be reunited with all my loved ones that have gone before me. There are a couple of loved ones I'd like to see again, a dog or two, one cat, but for the most part, that's just not enough of an incentive for me.

I could never justify the idea of how we'd recognize our loved ones in heaven. What if they died when they were a baby, will they still look like a baby? Will it be there "essence" we recognize? Will it be their soul?

For months I'd been hearing about a woman I needed to meet. We had so much in common our mutual friend believed. We'd exchanged a few e-mails, but no pictures. We lived 1,000 miles apart. Long story short, she arrived at my door one day, and I "knew" her instantly. I've never had quite that feeling before. There have been people I've "clicked" with instantly. People that after knowing only a short time it felt like we'd been friends forever, but this was different. I felt like I was at last being reunited with a loved one. Heaven.

"How've you been since the last lifetime?" I immediately wanted to ask, but refrained. It was like that. There was such instant recognition. Such instant familiarity. It would have freaked me out if it wasn't so wonderful.

I've long believed heaven is within - same with hell. Look around, there are plenty of people living their hell right here, right now. There are also people that are living a life of peace, joy, even bliss. Heaven.

The pieces are starting to fall into place. I'm liking the shape they are taking - the shape of heaven.

11 comments:

Kim said...

What a wonderful piece! Those last lines are so gorgeous, I'm going to put them in my pocket and keep them with me: "The pieces are starting to fall into place. I'm liking the shape they are taking - the shape of heaven." Perfection!

Jenny said...

That would've been so funny if you asked her the question you were thinking. Sounds like she would've responded without missing a beat...

Great posts latetly!

kario said...

Isn't it great when we realize we have the power to make our own heaven right here wherever we are?

Thanks, Carrie!

Jerri said...

"the shape of heaven."

Lovely, lovely.

Anonymous said...

Yes, "The Shape of Heaven." Sounds like an album title! :) Love this post, Carrie, love the way you write, the way you explore so earnestly. Your positive energy is inspiring, your radiance is a gift. Thank you! xo

Ask Me Anything said...

you are so very good at conveying the essence of a difficult concept. Incredible.

Deb Shucka said...

What a wonderful exploration of an always challenging concept. I love the way you glow with wonder in your writing. I want to know more about this sharer of heaven.

Michelle O'Neil said...

Love this Carrie! Every word.

Dawn said...

I totally agree heaven and hell are w/in and right here on Earth. I have ALOT of people whom continually disagree w/this theory though..I find raising kids w/sickness that Icant fix adds2 questioning to original beliefs. I find Jospeh Campbells writtings very insightful~not just christian ~ I grew up w/similar beliefs. I sort my own NOW ! LOL:)

holly said...

love it.

"The pieces are starting to fall into place. I'm liking the shape they are taking - the shape of heaven." so gorgeous.

i love the way you think and write.

jennifer said...

Like you and me baby! Nice to see you again.