Family, Sleep and Adventure in Heaven

Many Christians seem to dismiss the greatest aspects of our mortal life as only a temporary necessity—like rockets discarded in space after their task is complete, doomed to float in the void, turning slowly to dust.

Marriage and family? A temporary arrangement until we enter heaven and love everyone exactly the same. Sex? An earthly indulgence until we become heavenly eunuchs. Sleep? Just a requirement of our weak earthly bodies. Adventure? Courage? Well, who needs any of that in a peaceful paradise?

I believe this view of heaven is not only wrong but also discourages people from focusing on the eternal. I used to not think of it at all when I held some of these beliefs (acquired through osmosis). But it now seems apparent to me that these beautiful creations of God are not merely pragmatic necessities but the very things we must love if heaven is what we're after.

I don't believe marriage, sex and family is discarded in heaven but made greater, stronger and more loving. I don't believe sleep is tossed aside but more restful, with dreams more astonishing. I don't believe heaven will be a static environment of hand holding, unceasing prayer, or euphoria. And I don’t believe courage is simply a response to a fallen world. There is no creation without it. There must be endless adventure and bravery in the next life.

It is impossible to imagine the creator of the earth—with all of it's beasts and wildflowers—would create some sort of eternal worship service, opium den or happy-fun summer camp where no one sleeps. That sounds like a horror novel!

Surfing in Heaven

There are moment's in my life where I feel a sudden and incredible wave of energy—and 'wave' seems the appropriate word as I feel lifted before ultimately the energy dissipates. Small waves can be triggered by caffeine though they usually end unnaturally as my body feels compelled to move even after it's grown tired. The best waves arrive with no discernible causes. They can last minutes or even weeks where I feel energetic and inspired. During these moments I get the distinct impression that there is something terribly wrong with me the rest of the time, when I'm at 'sea level'.

As a productive, hard-working type—or so I like to think, anyway—I don't notice the fog of lethargy until I'm lifted above it. The whole world seems to be covered in it. Even the busier parts. Though I believe sleep will be a delightful and integral part of heaven, I also think the cloud of lethargy will be gone forever and we will be amazed that we ever accomplished anything at all.