When I was young, our family enjoyed picnics on the weekends. On one of those occasions, I remember promising the little girl I had been playing with that we would meet again in the same spot and at the same time the following week. Now looking back, I realize how “childish” and innocent that promise was. It was also improbable: I did not know where we were. I could not decide when, if ever, my family would go to that place again to meet the same friends.

Ours was a childhood fantasy. We are free to fantasize as children, which is part of growing up. As adults, we sometimes like to think about what might be. Some of these are more realistic than others. We may or may not reach these dreams because, just like little children, we cannot know what will happen. That is why James warns against boasting about the future: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).

My childhood disappeared, and what is left is only a cloudy memory. If God wills, He may make it possible for me to meet that little girl again in Heaven, but it will ultimately be His choice.

These days I have been fantasizing about life with Jesus. There will be no more sin, pain, tears, or separation. I try to get myself to imagine a life with no violence or wickedness, but I am sorry to confess that I can’t.

Maybe you will have a better experience fantasizing that amazing life than I did. Close your eyes and start imagining!

God bless you and your loved ones. 

Meryem Kennedy