Last Wednesday evening I spent an hour at the Atlanta airport people watching while I waited for Bree to arrive on a flight from Australia. For those who have never spent time at Atlanta airport, it is quite the experience.
In the hour I was there, one thing stood out in bold relief as I watched two groups of people: those arriving from a destination and those picking up someone arriving in Atlanta.
I stood near the escalators that bring weary travelers (if you have done much traveling you know that ‘weary’ is an apt descriptor when you have been on a plane for hours) from the terminal to baggage claim. The group I stood with was the ‘waiting to pick someone up’ group. Excitement oozed from many of them, and it was obvious they were eagerly anticipating the arrival of someone dear. Others, such as the limousine drivers, who stood with signs that simply stated the name of the person arriving, were just doing their job. Some made eye contact with those standing nearby, while many kept their eyes fixed on the escalators ascending from the bowels of the airport hoping to catch that first glimpse of their loved one.
Periodically, I heard squeals of delight as members from one group found the person they were searching for. One little boy, about 4 years old, was so happy to be off the airplane that he jumped on the top of his daddy’s suitcase, leaned back against the handle, and got a free ride through the airport, grinning from ear to ear. I saw what appeared to be a mother and daughter find one another. The older woman hugged and hugged the younger, looking into the eyes of the younger woman between hugs and caressing her face. Off they walked arm in arm. One man caused me to grin at his creativity and obvious excitement at the prospect of seeing his wife. He held up a big sign that said, “Mrs. Harrington, your chariot awaits!” Young, and not so young, couples embraced and kissed as if they had not seen each other for years. Ah, love! Others, obviously business travelers, who were tired, hungry and just wanted to be home, maneuvered around the groups who were celebrating and headed out of the airport quickly.
As I waited and watched, I couldn’t help but compare what I saw to what I think might take place in heaven. Some, who come from families in which they are the only Christian, may enter heaven much like those weary business travelers. Only one thing is on their mind…..being HOME and seeing Jesus.
Some of us have already made deposits in heaven. Parents, grandparents, children, friends who are waiting and watching for that first glimpse of their loved ones to come into heaven. Oh, the rejoicing, squealing, and hugging that occur when they arrive! I can just imagine the angels surrounding the bedside of a dying saint. Surely one of them holds a sign that says, “Your chariot awaits!” A mother enters heaven and holds the baby she lost or aborted, hearing the word ‘Mommy’ for the very first time. The parent of a mentally challenged child carries on a conversation with that child who has been made new in heaven. Oh, the joy!!
All this talk of heaven, prompts me to ask if you are sure you will be going to heaven when you die? There is only one way to get there and it is by believing in Jesus and the work He did on the cross over two thousand years ago. Do you know Jesus? Have you made plans to be in heaven one day? If you were to die today, DO YOU KNOW FOR SURE that you would go to heaven? If not, I’d love to share how you can. Email me at [email protected].
