Just Out Of Reach

Just out of Reach

All glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20

I love all kinds of food—Italian, Thai, Chinese, and American. But Mexican food? That’s my favorite. My brother says that eating is my favorite indoor sport. (Maybe that’s why I’ve been on Weight Watchers.)

A group of friends and I love to eat Mexican food together. Our restaurant of choice is El Rancho Grande in Fort Worth, Texas, where they have the best nachos on the planet.

One day we were at El Rancho, and while we munched on chips and salsa and waited for our food, we were talking about heaven and hell. Each one of us had a different image of these two eternal places, so we took turns describing them.

I’ve mentioned in an earlier devotional that my idea of heaven is sitting by the ocean with my poetry book and a pencil, composing poetry or lyrics as the waves lap against the shore. There would be sailboats on the horizon and seagulls gliding overhead, as if suspended by the unseen hand of God.

Carol said heaven to her will be a rainy day when she can sit by the fire and read an engaging book just for fun. She will hear the rain on the roof as she snuggles under a soft wool blanket. Occasionally she will drift into a nap, like the proverbial cat.

As our food arrived, Ouida said, “Well, I know what hell would be like for me. There would be this enormous banquet table filled with every kind of food I could imagine—just six inches beyond my reach.”

Thank you, God, for putting heaven within our reach and for rescuing us from the powers of death and hell through your Son. We are forever indebted to you for your saving grace and love. Amen.