Heaven on Earth

Male Eastern Bluebird
Keller, TX

 In my younger years, I contemplated becoming a minister. It definitely was my father's first choice for me and he had groomed me early to speak in public and defend my religion at all costs; he even gave me at birth a Biblical name, Eliezer (servant of God). In my youth and my collegiate years at a religious university something changed. It dawned on me that my religion was about exclusivity and not inclusivity. Suddenly, doubts crept in and I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend an eternity with these judgmental folks who hated heathens. The hypocrisy, without heathens there's no need for churches.

Regardless of my thoughts and change of heart, I never compromised my ethics, nor my values. Those, I ascertained on my own accord and free will, were good things to keep and practice within my life. Things like loving my neighbors, being charitable, kind, and above all the value of acceptance. I became less judgmental and more, not less, people accepted me as well.

So I chose a different path, I chose to make life better here on earth where I reside. I mean why wait until I got to heaven, shouldn't I at least attempt to make life better for those around me here? Just what if there is no heaven, then I have missed and wasted a lifetime of happiness and an opportunity to change someone else's life. 

The miracles of life are always around us. There's a beautiful orchestra all around us in nature. There's so much to contemplate in the natural beauty of landscapes and the minute details of nature and its creatures. Constant reminders that your worry is for not. Nature exists. We are the stewards of our own garden of Eden.

What if you focused on making heaven here and focused on improving the quality of life for your family, your friends, and for strangers in need of friends. What if you focused not on your struggles but on the struggles of those hurting all around you. What if you provide empathy instead of just talking about it?

Today the minister in me asks you to consider this, who is my neighbor? How am I making a difference?  I can assure you this, you will find your bluebird. The bluebird is in the details you are missing everyday, open up your eyes and heart; look around you. Choose to make a difference.