Closer to Heaven

This is not meant to be a bummer blog in the least and there has been no recent news that has caused me to anticipate heading heavenward anytime soon, but I am finding myself contemplating heaven more often now than in the past. There's a pretty good chance that I won't be the first human being to cheat death and there's nothing like a diagnosis of cancer to bring that reality home in a big hurry.
When life is relatively problem free it's easy to relegate death and heaven to the back burner. There is plenty to think about in the present. But now I find myself enjoying life in a new way. I find myself looking for inklings of the heaven that I imagine here on earth.
Carson enjoys gardening. On our patio are infant tomatoes and peppers. Lettuce is growing and a few garlic buds are pretty close to the surface. There's something satisfying and exciting about watching those plants grow. God's hand is at the core of the beauty of that little garden.
As I plunk away this morning I can look to the East and enjoy yet another beautiful Arizona sunrise. In the background I hear birds busily attending to their duties and singing as they go. A preview of heaven? Maybe. I look forward to pleasant interaction with folks I love today. A glimpse of heaven right here on earth? Hopefully. And the list goes on and on.
As I prepare for my day I will ask God to keep me aware of the fact that I am surrounded by His beauty in creation. And I will ask Him to keep me aware of the knowledge that although He offers me all this here on earth, what awaits me in heaven is so much more.

"Thou art the blessed God....
Thou hast produced me and sustained me,
Supported and indulged me,
Saved and kept me;
Thou art in every situation able to meet my needs and miseries.
May I live by Thee, live for Thee,
Never be satisfied with my Christian progress
But as I resemble Christ;
And may conformity to His principles, temper and conduct
Grow hourly in my life......"-The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.

On the health front:
No new surprises, thankfully.
God is good.....all the time.