This morning I did a show at the local nursing home here in Bridgton.  Being the day before Easter, I felt there were better things I could be using my time for, especially since I have performed there as recently as February.  But, of course, I went. 

 I used the Easter season to talk about waiting for God's better timing.  (See yesterday's blog entitled "Wait").  I shared how the disciples waited three days before the resurrection, Mary and Martha waited four days for Lazarus to be brought back to life, the world waited for centuries for the prophecies of Christ to be fulfilled, etc.

After the show, a resident in the front row called me over and asked if I recognized her.  I confessed I did not.  She said she was Bertha, a lady who, in better health, was a regular at our home church.  Then she said, "The Lord's having me wait for Him, you know."  I knew immediately what she meant.  She wanted to go to heaven.

I responded, "But think of what a celebration it will be when that day finally arrives."  Suddenly she lit up like a child anticipating her birthday party. 

"I probably shouldn't say it," she replied, "But I can't wait until I go."  I reminded her that even the Apostle Paul longed for the day he'd go home to be with Jesus.  I knew, then, why I had gone there today.

Honestly, I don't think much about heaven, yet.  When I do, I'm glad that Jesus has made a way for me to go, but I can't say I'm anxious to go...it just beats the alternative.  No doubt I feel this way because I still have three young daughters (yes, teenagers are still young daughters!), a beautiful wife, a good job and an active ministry.  But my conversation with Bertha today reminded me that heaven is not just 'better than the alternative', it is our hope, and, in truth, our home.  We are, after all, only visiting this planet.  Thank you, Bertha, for reminding me of what Easter is all about.