The Privileged Life: Little Tastes of Heaven
“…he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words…” 2 Corinthians 12:4a
I have a mental “photo” of heaven…it’s in West Virginia.*
Years ago, we traveled to my husband’s family reunion at the old Young home (I loved that oxymoron) not far from Lost Creek. The white clapboard farmhouse rested in a bright green field, juxtaposed against dark-forested mountains and a blue-sky canopy dotted with cloud fluffs.
Family members greeted us warmly with open arms, hugs, handshakes. Around the home, some folks sat on the sunlit lawn, others in the shade, rocking chairs and watching children at play, laughing at a water-balloon battle in progress. A light breeze lifted up the chatter of happy voices and brought tantalizing smells of cornbread, earthy vegetables, sweet desserts.
Can’t you just imagine a similar welcome at the feast of our King??

Now, decades later, we had another heavenly experience while hosting a reunion last weekend for my husband’s cousins. We relished the chaos of having 21 warm bodies in our home (three little dogs in that mix) and visiting with family members…some of whom we hadn’t seen in years.
Our home was filled to the brim with sweet moments—wonderful storytelling, sharing family photos, taking more pictures, laughing, giving gifts, listening to piano music, singing a hymn, praying, hugging—and, most importantly, indulging in the bounty of our collective gardens and pantries, including cheesecakes, chocolate cake, and hickory nut cake! Yum!
I was a happy “Martha” for the weekend, puttering around the kitchen to keep the potluck meal hot and ready. After all was said and done, with everyone on the road and back home safely, we were weary—the good kind of tired that comes after a joyful celebration. My husband has a beautiful-inside-and-out family of faith, and we loved every minute of being with them.
It was a déjà-vu glimpse of heaven—with Jesus walking among us.
Tonight, in the darkness outdoors, I am a peaceful “Mary” again. The world is quiet. Velveteen skies are cleared from the smoky haze, no breeze. The stars pulsate their messages silently as the last of the lightning bugs wink at each other in the darkness. Cicadas sing their final summertime serenades. The Holy Spirit seeps deep into my bones.
Another slice of Paradise. Jesus is so close. Just a breath away.
In contrast to times when God seems so distant, I believe He gives us brief, sweet hints of His goodness to remind us He has something much better than the world we inhabit at present. He has prepared a beautiful place for us to go when life’s struggles are done.
We’ve been promised a world of wonder, a city of gold, crystal-clear waters, trees, mansions. Light will shine in every corner, coming from the Father of Lights on His throne. A marriage feast for the Lamb and His beloved ones will be spread out before us. Angels will be visible. We’ll spend our moments there in worship, with shouts of joy and praise to our Creator. And, maybe, loved ones will greet us with joy and kisses at our arrival.
It will be a gathering of His family, His kingdom people…His family reunion.
Will you join me in the expectation of that day to come? If Jesus calls you to follow Him, you can be assured that nothing will keep you away from joining Him in heaven. It’s not something you can buy or earn—He has already paid your entrance price. He is waiting for you there. All it takes is a step of faith to accept His love and forgiveness.**
My prayer for you this week is to look for flashes of light, when God cracks open a window to His heaven, to show you little snatches of His splendor. Keep your eyes open for these sweet little tastes of joy…for these Holy Spirit encounters that demonstrate His great love for you. Share your moments with me in the comments section of my website.
May God give us all a wonderful family reunion someday in His presence!
Jesus, thank You for being my great Savior, for Your gift of heaven, and for the promise of meeting You face to face there. Grant me moments this week to experience the reality of Your presence, when I can feel the warmth of Your light upon me. Let me hold fast to these glimpses of the happiness that resides in You. Call me to worship You in those moments, with shouts of joy and dancing! In Your name, Amen.
*A popular song by John Denver, “Country Roads,” describes the “almost heaven” beauty of West Virginia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqcMbkFR6jk
**To learn more about the grace of Jesus Christ, go to this page: https://lightbournecreative.com/good-news-for-you/
© Copyright 2023 Nancy C. Williams, Lightbourne Creative (text and photography)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #westvirginia #countryroads #familyreunion #glimpsesofheaven #potluck #maryvsmartha