A Heavenly Ponzi Scheme

The topics and titles for my blog posts come from various sources, although ultimately, I do believe God provides every single one of them.

Today’s title is not one of my originals.  I’m a little relieved and a little jealous about that!  It’s the result of a conversation I had with my pastor recently.  I think it shines a light into the kinds of conversations we have on a regular basis.  A little theology, a little silliness.

There’s a new thought I’ve had about heaven since Dale’s death.  And I want to acknowledge right up front that I don’t have specific biblical support for this.  But one of my favorite statements from one of my favorite authors, Randy Alcorn, is this: “Wouldn’t it be just like God to do that?”

So as I’ve walked through this journey the past 4 ½ years, I’ve met literally 100s of people, either directly or through cyberspace, who are also walking a journey of grieving.  As I get to know them and their loved one, I can often find things they had in common with my husband, Dale.

That has caused me to speculate about the possibility of these two people meeting in heaven.  The more I speculate about it and talk about it, the more I start to believe it could be true!  Not because I have that much-sought-after biblical support for it, but because “wouldn’t it be just like God to do that?”

Absolutely!  I can totally see God connecting people in heaven who are connected to those of us connected down here.  It has made for some really sweet conversations with fellow grievers.  Isn’t it fun to imagine that?

Think about someone who has passed away and who you believe to be in heaven.  Now think about a friend who has also lost someone dear to them.  Do you love the idea of those two having a conversation in heaven ABOUT YOU TWO?  It absolutely makes me smile.

Of course, I have no idea if there’s any truth to this.  But I continue to share this possibility with the ones God puts in my path because it brings us joy.  But more importantly, I truly believe that God is pleased when we use our imaginations to come up with how wonderful he has made heaven.  How can that be dishonoring to God?  He’ll set me, and everyone I’ve shared this concept with, straight someday if I’ve been completely off base. 

So, back to my conversation with my pastor.  As we were talking about all the myriad connections we could imagine under this supposition, and the joy not only for us still living, but even for those who were making those unexpected connections in Glory, my pastor made this observation:  “It’s like a heavenly Ponzi scheme!  Hey, that could be one of your blog topics.”

And there it is.  Another way that God brings ideas into this weekly connection with all of you.  I could hardly pass it up, because, hello, a “man of God” suggested it to me!

Now here’s a bit of “homework” for you.  But first, if you didn’t know my Dale, he was witty and unassuming and kind and full of unconditional love.  He could make or fix anything, and he loved animals and fishing and motorcycles.  So, think about someone you’ve lost who’s now in God’s presence.  Do you think they would enjoy meeting Dale?  Does it make our connection even deeper?  I think that is so cool.

I know God is so much greater, in every way, than we can possibly imagine.  But it seems like this little exercise helps us to expand our own limited human understanding, and maybe, just maybe, see God in a new eye-opening, God-glorifying light.

I hope these imaginings  bring a smile to your face and to your heart.

I’m including a long-time favorite song from the group, MercyMe, because the song writer has some of the same desires for heaven in his heart.

MercyMe – I Can Only Imagine (Video) – YouTube

Now, go do some heavenly day dreaming!

But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,

    nor the heart of man imagined,

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10a