I knew I could plan another trip to visit. I knew I could always come back here. But the reality that came down on me like an overwhelming waterfall of emotion, awe, and amazement is that the Kingdom of God offers this and much more perfection. Like a tidal wave, I heard a voice that said, “You realize this is only a momentary goodbye, you will be reunited in Heaven. You will play in Heaven; you will find this peace and more in Heaven.”
And with that statement, I broke down and began to sob. Not because I was sad or hurt, but because I was overwhelmed by the gift I have been given.
That moment brought the reality of the gift of the cross directly into my head and heart with a vivid clarity better than any high-definition screen I have yet encountered. It struck me that when He died, Christ knew of this particular moment, and my particular life. He knew that in this world, so many struggles and situations would prevent me from finding the peace that He knew of Holy presence. He knew I would trust Him, and He would be able to give me hope here on Earth, and joy in life beyond.
On the following day, we went to the orphanages and played with the children. There was a bittersweet reality, knowing that it was our last day there. But for me, the reality I now understood far more completely had set in. This was only a temporary goodbye. Whether I would one day come back to Haiti in this life didn’t make much difference to me anymore. I now have the security of knowing I will be playing with all these kids in Heaven again one day soon.
-michael…
