heaven

A friend asked yesterday if I believe in the concept of Heaven. I absolutely do, although perhaps more in the metaphorical than the traditional sense. I was raised to believe that Heaven’s a magnificent home in the sky, a place where God welcomes His faithful believers when their physical bodies die. I can’t speak with 100% clarity–who can? But I’ve come to believe that if we walk in grace, striving always toward our better angels, we can see glimpses of Heaven all around us.    

Witness:

After talking with him on LJ for nearly two years, I finally met up with Java_fiend in person. We had lunch at P.J.’s  Abbey in the Historic District of Old Towne Orange. The restaurant itself is a converted Baptist church. Originally built in 1891, this restored Gothic Victorian is resplendent with the original stained glass windows, church pews that serve as dining benches, and a grand piano that graces the area in front of the original altar. 

 

Kevin’s a great listener (good thing, yes?); and even better, he speaks passionately about his own life. His enthusiasm is infectious and his smile contageous…we laughed and talked for almost three hours! What a blessing, to savor a delicious meal in such beautiful surroundings, and to also enjoy a leisurely conversation with a special friend.

Next, I devoted some time to my writing. I worked until late afternoon, and lo, I was satisfied with my progress. 

My husband and I ate dinner in Laguna, and afterward, we took a sunset stroll along the beach. We watched as the sun kissed the ocean goodnight….

…and palm trees reached for the moon’s embrace.

 

From dawn to dusk, yea verily, it was a heavenly day.