Learning from the Latinos.

We had a lovely visit over a week ago now with some of my husband’s Latino family: his sister, her husband, and his brother. I was reflecting on the first time I went to their home in New Jersey and the difference I felt.

Our Wedding Day December 15, 2007

We were newly-weds and Jorge wanted to take a trip to see his family after our honeymoon. One of the main surprises I found was how instantaneously we were welcomed. I also never expected to feel so comfortable in their kitchen of all places! We were given full-access to the refrigerator in a way that was authentic, not just polite or courteous. As a new sister-in-law at the time I was still a bit nervous, not wanting to overstep and offend. But it was clear: I felt completely at-home in someone else’s cooking space, and a level of intimacy between his family and I began. The memories now, ten years later, are so deep and rich, and I am grateful for a hospitable beginning.

Our first day together in the United States visiting Niagara Falls

When my husband’s Latino family comes to visit us now it’s always a riot! The hugs, kisses, and affection are contagious. The kitchen is always a central location where we eat and prepare food TOGETHER. I used to try to “plan meals” for when our guests arrived, but it always turns into everyone barbecuing or pitching in to do his/her favorite or signature meal for all to share! At first I felt overwhelmed, losing a sense of control over what food was going to be prepared. Now I roll with it, and the flexibility of surprise is actually delightful and refreshing for me.

Do you ever just want to freeze a moment in time? I often have that feeling inside like I wish I could have a camera on for certain moments so that I could re-play or re-live them again one day. Family togetherness and unity: There is no better feeling! I can’t help but think of HEAVEN and the home God meant for all of us to share eternally, forever together, with memories that will no longer be thwarted by sickness or death. 

As a Christian, I know I am supposed to look forward to heaven and the hope we have, but sometimes I barely even ponder how extraordinary and spectacular eternity with God will be! Take time to listen to CHIP INGRAM on HEAVEN (click on that and the link will come up). Chip Ingram is a Pastor in California and in his sermon about heaven he comments, “It’s like your best day on earth every day.” I would go further to add that it’s even better than our best day on earth, but that is probably the only way for us to even remotely grasp the everlasting joy and peace we will experience there. He also adds that heaven will be a place where all the hobbies and activities God made us to love here on earth can be eternally enjoyed (cooking, eating, building, playing instruments, traveling, drawing, painting, etc.) Remember Jesus in His resurrected body was able to eat with His disciples, a testimony that He was truly risen and not just a figment of their imagination or a spirit. 

In His time on earth Jesus spoke about heaven, and how His Father is preparing a place for us (John 14). Okay, so I consider myself to be a very inept builder. I came to that conclusion when my two-year-old son surpassed me with his structural building abilities utilizing legos and blocks (no joke, I am learning from him and improving little by little)! I marvel when I see photos of buildings, bridges and other structures built by human hands; it is surreal to me! Now imagine God, the ultimate builder and Creator, designing our heavenly dwelling! I can’t fathom it: the beauty, perfection, creativity and divine precision we will one day behold!

Of course there is a lot that we do NOT know about heaven yet but if we aren’t excited about it, we won’t be passionate about going let alone bringing others there with us. One attribute of heaven in the book of Revelation (22:5) is that there will be no more night and no sun necessary, for the light of the Lord will be present! Isn’t that exhilarating? The “solar system” (our CENTER) will become what it always was meant to be: a LITERAL expression of GOD Himself as OUR SUN, THE SUN, OUR LIGHT and OUR SOURCE!! Inexpressible TRUTH!

Family. I love being a part of my husband’s family, and have learned a great deal about love, hospitality, respect, flexibility, and of course how to make some delectable meals from the Latinos! Embrace the family God has given to you which includes disobedient children and imperfect adults, and yet LOOK FORWARD to HEAVEN more because it’s a place where rest, joy, unlimited creativity, time, and incomprehensible LOVE from God Our Father are present. 

To reference my last post about pirates, this verse is one you could easily incorporate into that unit study for memorization, regarding heaven and treasure: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Let’s ponder MORE OFTEN how miraculous and splendid HEAVEN will be: to be surrounded by all who love God with NO ending, NO tears, and endless time to give glory to God through relishing in every moment with one another. Let this spur us on to SHARE JESUS while on earth, the ONLY ONE who can wash away our sin and make us clean before God’s throne (Romans 6:23 & Matthew 5:20).

BE A TREE OF HOPE, excited and EAGER TO SHARE the HOPE WE HAVE in HEAVEN, our ETERNAL HOME!