Usually, this article is a series of thoughts on the passage for Sunday or something in the news. However, this week I would like to reflect on the excellent Learning4Life session we had at St Mary’s on the 18th of May with guest speaker Jim Paul. If you were unable to join us I would thoroughly recommend his book on which the teaching session was based, ‘What on Earth is Heaven?’. There was a lot to take in and much to consider as we thought about Heaven as a dimension bringing depth, richness and fullness to our experience now; rather than a place we go to in the future. If you heard Jim, was there something he said which you have continued to think about?
There is one phrase in particular which I have been reflecting on – ‘We aren’t called to save the whole world, but to play our small part in bringing heaven to our square inch of earth.’
I have been thinking about how, depending on our stage, or current circumstances of life, that square inch could appear quite different for each of us. In a season of caring we may find ourselves focused on individuals, whether they are close family members or friends. At another time, studies or paid work takes a priority. Sometimes we find it easy to include international affairs, global climate injustice, or war to our thinking and reactions without being overwhelmed.
I’m slowly coming out of a season when my world shrank and so asking ‘how do I bring heaven to my square patch of earth?’ is a pertinent question. I might not be able to influence conflict zones, but I can make choices about the companies my pension is invested in. I can make time to listen to my neighbours and understand those who are different from me. I can talk with my children about how to resolve disagreements and model forgiveness. Most of all I can pray. I can engage with God in the issues big or small. I can seek the dimension of heaven in my thinking, speech and actions for whatever is currently passing through my ‘square inch of earth’.
If anyone would like to borrow a copy of ‘What on earth is Heaven?’ by James Paul, I’d be happy to lend you mine.
In Christ
Joanne
Ministry team member