I’m currently driving and drinking my coffee while talking this into my phone, where it is writing it as text. It will then be emailed to myself. No, this is not dangerous, I’m just talking, not looking at my phone. I’m thinking about how if I were killed in a wreck it would be disappointing to never have another Flat White from Starbucks (sorry children, I’m thinking coffee here, not that I don’t love you …).
I know, I know, in heaven it will be ten million times better than what we have here and I can’t even conceive of how good their coffee is, I get that, but on the other hand, drinking coffee here on earth is a physical sensation that, on this side, I feel sorry to lose.
There is a physicality of life here on earth that is different from what we will experience with our spiritual body in heaven, this current life acquired through our five senses. From this point of view, I will miss them. When everything is perfect will I miss a cleansing shower after getting sweaty and dirty? Oh yeah, I won’t be sweaty and dirty. Will I miss putting lotion on dry skin? Nope, because I won’t have physical skin that gets dry and itchy, but I also won’t have the sensation of touch on human skin. That’s the thing, life on earth includes the negative side. God didn’t choose the negative for us (we did) but it does give us the ability to appreciate the positive side of being physical.
I can hear you now, “You won’t remember these things and you won’t miss them, because life will be so much better,” but just humor me, I’m not there, I’m here. Thinking about it from this point of view makes me want to appreciate how God created us as physical beings. For example, I’m heading to PT right now for my tennis elbow (I don’t play tennis, it’s from lifting five-pound weights to build up my bones) but after the exercises the therapist massages my arm and it feels wonderful. In heaven I won’t be pampering my skin or experiencing how good it feels to put on my pajamas. (I’m now driving eighty so I should pay attention and use my cruise control before I get a ticket. “I’m sorry sir, I was just writing a blog …” There, got cruise control on.)
I know heaven will be wonderful and beyond anything imaginable, but it’s a good lesson to me to make sure that I pay attention to what it’s like to physically live as a human being on earth. God created us with that gift, let’s don’t waste it by not noticing or appreciating it.
Here’s something else I enjoy. Under my desk at home I have two spiky-ball foot massagers and as I sit there I love to roll them around on the bottom of my sock feet. Another pleasure is taking my shoes off. Growing up in Thailand I’ve spent my life going barefoot inside (now with socks on) and the last six months I’m having to wear my shoes all day whether inside or out because of orthopedic inserts, and I’m chafing at having to do that. It feels unnatural to wear shoes inside and it makes my feet feel large, hot, and clumsy, so to sit down and pull my shoes off at the end of the day and then rub lotion into my feet feels so good.
(I’d better pay attention to my exit or I’m going to just keep driving and end up in Cincinnati somewhere.)
Much of my trip to the beach last November was a physical pleasure. Sure, it fed my soul and spirit but the physicality of the sand under my feet, the breeze on my face, and the beauty before my eyes will stay with me for a long time.
(Darn it, I got off at the wrong exit. No harm done, I’m just right up the road from where I wanted to go, it just means a few extra red lights. And getting behind the school bus.)
Doesn’t it feel good to take your finger tips and massage your scalp?
I don’t know how anything can top a warmed-up bed on a cold winter’s night, unless it’s sitting and eating mocha-chip ice cream while reading a good book. And there’s the feel of a good haircut, or the cold, satisfying weight of a river rock in my hand… these things just downright feel good.
What I want to say is, let’s try to be aware of our physicality and all the ways that God has created us to be able to enjoy our humanity.
What is particularly delightful to you from your human perspective?
Hi Brenda,
Another good post. It was easy for me to come up with a favorite sensory delight. I love the change of seasons, especially the shift into fall. Though I know it’s just an appetizer for what I’ll experience in Heaven, I often have thought that I am really going to miss it. Good advice to make the most of it.
That’s true CW, the seasons changing is wonderful, though I’m more of a winter into spring into summer person. I’ll be fine with no more winters on the horizon. :)
These are some things particularly delightful to me—straight from our recent week of hiking:
*The sight of puffy white clouds drifting across a brilliant blue sky
*The taste of ice cold water on a scorching day
*The sound of a stream as the water plays among the rocks
*The feel of a cool breeze on my hot, sweaty skin
*The smell (and taste!) of chocolate
And if you ever do keep driving and end up in Cincinnati, make sure you stop to see us! :)
I will Bonnie! I got pleasure just from reading your list, thanks for sharing.
Dear Brenda,
First I must say you are so funny. I have tears rolling down my cheeks from laughing.
One of my biggest delights is getting a text, at 5am
( yes 5 am.) from my 26 year old grandson. He is heading to work and he knows I am up praying and studying the Word. He is telling me he loves me and greeting the dawn with a good word or prayer request for the day.
(Heaven on earth right there.)
We can’t let the devil make us think this younger generation is lost…NO! NO! NO! They are bringing in the next GREAT AWAKENING. They are preparing for the challenges of a lifetime.
So my second delight is to pray for, mentor and listen to these young adults. They are aligning with God in a way that I can’t imagine but they are aligning.
I’m 75 now and I am ready for Jesus whenever HE blows the TRUMPET to call us home…BUT…I’m not in a hurry like some are. I will occupy until….because I have to much to do. Fact is I feel like I’m just getting started.
My recommendation is to go out and find a ‘twenty something’ person..maybe with tattoos😊…and listen. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll here and what advise they will seek from you.
Enjoy your day and watch that speeding!!!
😊♥️
You are so right Charlene, but I did laugh about getting a text at 5 AM, I’d be frustrated, lol, not blessed, but I can see how that particular text can bless your soul, that’s amazing! Thanks for the encouraging words about the younger generation. :)