I think…….and worry…….about you often. I find myself in a bit of a bind here. I will be in paradise in a few short years and I’d really like for you to be there with me. It is going to be great……but it will be even better with you there. I don’t want to nag you or to annoy you. But, if I say nothing, you may miss out on something truly fabulous. For that matter, I too will miss out on something……your company.
You and I have different beliefs. I believe that we were created by a God who is active and involved in this world. You believe in science which tells us that it is all a big accident. The thing is that these two belief systems are mutually exclusive. In a word……..one of us must be wrong.
If I am wrong, I will lead a good life: loving those around me, supporting my community, paying my taxes, giving to charity, and then…..in a few short years…….I will die and the lights will just go out. I won’t even know that I was wrong.
If you are wrong, you will lead a good life: loving those around you, supporting your community, paying your taxes, giving to charity, and then…..in a few short years……you will die. But then………….you will have an conversation with your creator, your father. It will probably be a little awkward. Then you will likely miss out on paradise, which was your destiny……and mine for that matter…… from the very start.
And I will have failed you as a friend.
So, when I finally work up the courage to annoy you…..again, be patient with me. My long term goal is to someday soon sit down with you in paradise……..and to talk…….over a pastry and a great cup of coffee in a little cafe with a great view………..with two custom bikes parked nearby.
How cool is that?
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Jesus, NIV