to my unborn granddaughter

To: Nora who remains in the womb

From: Nana who remains in the world

From one who has gone before…

Dear Nora,

Beautiful baby girl, you will soon be joining us here in your new world. Our current world.  I know that must sound odd. You probably have so many questions. What is it like? How will I get there? Why do I have to leave what I know for the unknown? Is the next place better? Is it the final place?

Please don’t ever think that Nana is unkind for not answering every question. It is not because I do not love you, but because I do that I answer your questions only in part at this time.

Don’t get me wrong, I could answer your questions with many details. I have words to describe the world you are about to enter. I have lived here for many years and have seen many things. The challenge is how do I describe it to one who has never seen?

So I will answer your questions in part. As one who has gone before, I will try to help you understand what is to come by associating it to what you currently know.

Now you experience our world through the filter of the womb. In your new world you will still hear heartbeats and feel warmth. Voices will still speak and sing to you. You will feel the touch of your father and the encompassing embrace of your mother.

And more.

In our world your ears will hear more clearly. Your skin will register a direct yet tender touch. Light will enable your eyes to focus on many splendid things. And your body will be free to venture and explore.

Do not fear the passing over from your world into ours. The process actually prepares you for what is to come. There are many who love you, anxiously waiting your arrival. Eager to care for you and train you in your new surroundings. Excited to share with you the many sights, sounds, and sensations. It will take a lifetime to explore all the vastness of this place!

Yes, precious one, you must leave your current home in order to experience the next. In so many ways it is better than your current environment. If given the option, would I return to the womb? No. Not after experiencing this world.

Is it your final place? No. There is one other world awaiting you. It has a special name. Heaven. Can I describe it to you? No.

I have not been there. I know in part because God has mentioned it in His book. In this, Nora girl, I am like you. Trusting the One who has gone before. Accepting what little He tells me. Believing that even though I don’t know, One who loves me does. I choose to trust Him to fill in the details when I arrive.

With much love and great anticipation,

Nana

Here Once

A friend has "HERE ONCE" inscribed on his knuckles. The reason for this came up in a recent conversation. He explained that his philosophy of life is that we are only HERE ONCE; therefore, we should make it count.

He reflected on his own life and said the season that he felt was the most rewarding was when he helped out at a youth camp. He honestly felt that he had something to give to those young people, so he gave himself to them. He shared his experiences. Even the tough ones. He has had plenty of those. What's amazing is that he didn't use them as an excuse. He used them as tools. Tools to help others build a better life.

There is something deep inside each of us that cries out to make a difference while we are HERE. That's because God created us each for a purpose. Discovering that purpose and living it out can make what we do HERE (as well as in the HEREAFTER) rewarding.

This purpose is not such a hard discovery if you think about it. My friend did. You take what you have been given, the good along with the bad, and you use them as tools to give of yourself to help others. You make a difference.

We are only HERE ONCE and the decisions and the choices we make HERE will affect our lives in the HEREAFTER. The most important choice we make in this life is choosing whether or not we will receive God's gift of salvation. That choice during our HERE ONCE will determine where we live in the HEREAFTER FOREVER.