I remember reading a firsthand account of a glimpse of Heaven sometime last year, and being completely taken aback by the excitement that comes with even the smallest inkling of that world for which we have such an innate longing. It is beautiful how we are built with this attraction to the beautiful things and instances which pull us towards God and his plans for the life after this one. The mountains and the ocean often evoke this excitement in me. The sunrise also pulls me into a moment of beauty that can only be described as a glimpse of heaven. Natural surroundings away from the hectic times that make up my life usually evoke moments of heaven. But I found that these moments are not limited to experience in nature. Where I actually found God surprised me.
I confess I did not study abroad seeking moments with God. I went to learn about history and culture, and take all those stereotypical pictures. But God found me in Europe. His moments of heaven were evoked in a place that was not known for its natural beauty, but for its ancient empire that ruled the known world.
God found me in Rome. Walking through the ancient city remains gave me the feeling that I was walking through Biblical times. Even the stone walkway under my feet reminded me of how architecture must have looked and felt during the lifetime of Jesus. I felt like one of the many waiting in the crowd for Jesus to walk by me.
I had a God moment. It was as if I was present on Palm Sunday just as Jesus was passing through Jerusalem and I got to see him in and flesh and shout “Praise God!” I saw myself waving the palm branches (John 12:12). I caught a glimpse of this excitement that people must have felt two thousand years ago. God took my imagination to another place and another time, and for a moment I stood in awe. I stood in awe of God in a place which is associated with the celebration of the politics of men. He reminded me that his son walked the earth years ago, but we still see his shadow today.
Maybe it was the travelling, and its escape from daily life that captured my brain. God showed me a beautiful glimpse of the excitement of heaven, but maybe I was blessed enough to notice it because I was not too preoccupied with my own affairs. After this experience I realized that God can show you these transcendent moments much more often if you allow your life to slow down, and let your brain go into “curious mode.” Unbusy yourself and open your eyes. Where do you see God’s shadow? Hopefully at a place of worship, but I would like to assume this goes without saying. Where else? Where have you seen Jesus? I pray that like me, God amazes you in a place that you never expected.
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These articles are the opinions of young people from around the world, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Methodist Church.