I have a best friend who lives in heaven. Her favorite animal on earth was the pig and so today I am remembering her with this picture that came to me from Pinterest. I took some time out to do a little research about this animal which sometimes gets only derogatory comments.
Pigs have excellent memories. Studies have shown that pigs can remember where food is stored and places where they have found food before. They can also remember directions and can find their way home from great distances. Pigs can recognize and remember humans and up to 30 other pigs.
In the Chinese zodiac, the pig represents fortune, honesty and happiness. How appropriate for this honest, happy animal that is smart, lovable and forgiving.
I have come to the conclusion that we need not have a near death experience to get a glimpse of heaven. We get many glimpses of heaven right here on earth. Take for example:
Seeing newborn baby
The look of love in the eye of the beholder
People walking hand in hand (especially the very old and very young)
Devoted pets
Observing the universe; sun, moon, stars, galaxies,
The methodical movement of waves on a beach,
The sparkle of sunlight on rippling waters
The first words of an Autistic child who has been speechless for years
An occasional embrace from said child
The feeling of wellness after an illness
The healing of a strained relationship
The calm after the storm
Crocuses breaking through snow covered soil
Walking where Jesus walked
Answered prayers
Heavenly hugs
As you take time to catch a glimpse of your own heaven on earth, cherish the experience, and know that the best is yet to come.
Awhile back I posted a poem written by my sister about the passing of her pet dog, Farleigh. Today I’d like to share her poem to Jesse, another pet she said goodbye to.
In Remembrance of Jessie
November 16, 1989 – April 24, 2001
When you flashed me a look from your smiling Jessie eyes
I knew you were telling me your last goodbyes
You were telling me not to grieve
Now that the time had come for you to leave
When you flashed me a look from your sweet smiling eyes
The time we spent together went by fast
I can see you again as I look back over the past
The games of ball we used to play
You kept me playing night and day
You never seemed to tire
We walked the lake on days both hot and cold
We both walked slower as we grew old
We ate ice cream cones all year long
You listened while I played a song
On an accordion no longer new
You served humanity in a very special way
You birthed twenty-one puppies and gave them all away
We all know that pets can be more than that as they take their place in our families and our hearts. Losing them to death, then, becomes as soul-wrenching as losing one of human family members. Here is what my sister, Mary, felt when one of her dearly beloved pets, her dog, Farleigh, became a treasured memory. Mary would appreciate knowing how many of us feel the same way.
I’ve heard people say, “God doesn’t love me…what a load of rubbish. If he loved me I’d feel it, wouldn’t I?” The answer is, “Yes, you would, and yes, you do.” I invite you to ponder these few thoughts in your life.
What do you feel when you first lay eyes on your newborn baby?
What do you feel as that baby grows into a little personality and your heart feels like it will burst with each new thing she/he does?
Or if children aren’t in your life…what is it you feel towards your brand new puppy or kitten?
What do you feel on your wedding day when you look into the eyes of your bride/groom and say, “I do”.
What is it you feel when you get your first diploma, your first degree, your first job?
Do you love looking in awe at the star-studded, galaxy-filled universe?
I would love to post a photo of one of my grandsons who just got his braces off. The smile on his face is priceless. But my love goes deeper than showing him off, because I know that it would embarrass him and I respect his feelings.
What I’m getting at here is that when you experience all these feelings of love, awe, respect…you are experiencing God’s love for you…a hundredfold. God is where love originated; the only way to explain that unexplainable feeling.
…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…Ephesians 3:17-18
Here is the Bee Gees 1977 hit, “How Deep is Your Love”. May I suggest that instead of seeing Barry, Robin and Maurice singing, you picture God asking you…how deep is your love?
Every day there is something to smile about…well, mostly every day; family, friends, babies, memories, a full moon the night before, a squirrel looking for a handout at the door, playful puppies, skittish kittens, blessings by the number…smiling is good for the facial muscles.
Yesterday this picture was posted to my Facebook Timeline by one of my daughters. It really gave me something to smile about and I hope it stretches your facial muscles too.
