When I was part of a group of friends who played the recorder (instrument ) together, we sent out a notice in the church that we would welcome new players for our “chamber music” group. To our surprise a harpist called and asked if she cold join. We were delighted to have a harp with us, and we found that she had recently started harp lessons, and would appreciate simple pieces, much like most of ours.

When we got to know Linda we liked her and learned that she had had a serious heart attack, and was retired from her previous job. As soon as she retired she invested in a full size harp made in Italy, and signed up for lessons. I couldn’t help asking if she had ever wanted to play the harp before her brush with death, and she replied, “No, I never thought about it at all.” “Any other instruments?” I asked. “No”, she said; she hadn’t had time to play an instrument.

Linda was quite faithful in her practicing, and I admired her perseverance on the harp. I couldn’t get the idea out of my mind, though, that there was somehow a connection between her heart attack and the harp playing. In my imagination I thought she might be preparing for her entry into heaven by being able to play the harp. She never mentioned such a thing, though. We played together for a short while until some members moved away and we disbanded.

I believe that for many people the thought of dying and heaven is muddled with impressions from our world. Once I asked a class of women what they thought heaven was like and none of them had a happy thought. They could not imagine a place or a condition that could in any way be an improvement on their lives here on earth.

On the night that Jesus was arrested he talked to believers, his disciples, about remaining close to him, and then said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10) He makes it clear to us (not always to the disciples) that his return to the Father would enable real and joyful reunion with him in heaven. “ Joy” is the operative word and Jesus speaks of his and our condition after death. After his resurrection the disciples began to understand his words, and spent their lives sharing the good news. Eternal life is impossible to fully comprehend, but Jesus’ departing words were full of joyful hope. Now we have only glimpses that eternity is joyful, but the Spirit of Christ continues to remind us that eternity with the Father is pure joy, even without a harp.

Love in Him,

Prue