Already Promised Heaven

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

—Martin Luther King

 

This past week I did something that I have never done before. I went to the 100th birthday party for a very special woman named Mrs. Pat Nichols. Let me tell you—she is radiant! No stranger to the hard and heart-breaking here, but somehow she hasn’t allowed the losses to dim her light. When asked her secret for longevity, she just smiled, and spoke of simple joys and tremendous love.

 

If I am not careful, I can forget what truly matters. The sands are moving much too quick through my Hourglass and yours. Love God and love everything that God loves seems to sum up the mission beautifully. After the birthday celebration, I penned this prayer. Here’s to cultivating radiance!

 

P.S. Imperfect lives can be incredibly beautiful and holy! Ask Pat!!

Already Promised Heaven

Loving God,

If I could just stop the whirl,

and remember today,

what will truly matter tomorrow.

How quickly I can get lost in the weeds of my daily life.

Help me to shift my holy attention.

Questions I must keep asking myself:

Am I giving the best of myself to the people around me, to the larger world?

From where does my joy come?

Am I looking to the world, or to You?

What makes me grateful to be alive?

How often do I bend at the knee

 with reverence for the precious gift that You have given me?

Do You know me, God, because I have asked to be known?

Where do I turn when the bottom falls out, and everything feels so fragile?

The time is now to get it right:

To close the distance between my hearts and yours,

To shed the superfluous, and find the mustard seed.

How I spend my days will be the measure of me.

My life is meant for higher things—

to prove that goodness, love, hope,

and heaven on earth

are real, possible.

The Darkness does not have a chance

against the Light You placed in me.

So today, may I pick up the road that Jesus started,

and Martin Luther King and so many other brave spirits followed.

I have nothing to lose.

You have already promised me heaven.

I will place my hand in yours and step forward.

A most grateful Amen.

2 Comments
  • Corky Herbert

    January 20, 2025 at 8:44 am

    Such a meaningful prayer for so many. I am thinking right now of several loved ones with whom I wish to share it. Farrell, thank you for so often blending the eternal with the here and now. The reminder to place our hand in the one always extended by Jesus is such a right final offering.

  • Diane Tucker

    January 20, 2025 at 9:46 am

    Thank you for sharing Pat Nichols 100th birthday celebration 🎉! It was a delight to see her! And very special for you to share her special birthday on your breadandhoneyblog.

    Hugs 🤗