Heaven and Nature Sing

"So the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion
    and his praise in Jerusalem  when the peoples and the kingdoms    assemble to worship the Lord."

Psalm 102: 21-22

I didn't plan to cry in church. In fact, sitting through our pastor's rousing sermon about the joy of Jesus Christ deemed a real challenge after a late night out and an exhausting string of life events. The glassy-eyed, going-through-the-motions posture meant comfort today.

But, given my mother's death two weeks ago and several encounters with Scripture, these words awoke emotion: 

"Joy to the World,

The Lord has Come

Let Earth Receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room

 and Heaven and Nature sing..."

My mom's eternal residence and occupation became very real to me in that second. And I was joining her. I mean, I wasn't dying and going to heaven, but I was praising the King, seated on His throne...just like mom.

I couldn't stop the tears and for a few seconds my shoulders even heaved, revealing to all seated behind me that I was having a moment. I tried to regain control of my emotions, but I couldn't. If heaven is for real, and I believe it is, I am made for more than this life. I am made for worship. And so was my mom, and her mom, and her mom's mom. 

I connected with my mother in that pew through my God more than I could at any graveside service, more than reciting a tribute, or saving the funeral flowers. And I can connect with her over and over again through the worship of my Lord.

Don't get me wrong. My mom is not better than Jesus. I believe that Jesus gave me a gift today and whispered to me, come to me and experience community on earth as it is in heaven. Experience community right where you stand just as your mother experiences community in heaven.

So I will prepare Him room. I will adore Him. I will receive my King!

Lord, keep showing me what it means to be a citizen of eternity. Help me to treasure moments of worship as a glimpse of heaven. May you be glorified on your throne through my life and worship. I can't wait to stand before your throne, unhindered by the jaded hues of earth. Thank you for Mom and her experiences now in your presence. You are my Holy King, seated on your throne and worthy of all my praise! Amen.