Heaven: Not a Destination, But the Beginning of What Was Always Meant to Be

We often talk about heaven as if it’s a far-off destination—a reward at the end of a long, winding road. But what if it’s not the end at all? What if it’s the beginning?

From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God walked with us. He spoke to us face to face. There was no separation, no fear, no shame—only fellowship. Humanity was created to live in perfect relationship with God, in communion with one another, and in harmony with creation. That was home.

But sin broke that intimacy, introducing distance between us and the One who created us. Yet, even in our fall, God’s desire never changed. His plan was always to bring us back into that perfect relationship—not just someday, but beginning now.

Heaven isn’t merely a place we go after death; it’s the restoration of that original, divine connection. It’s the return to the life God intended for us. A life not marked by striving or fear, but by peace, presence, and purpose.

That doesn’t mean I don’t love this life here on earth. I do. There is beauty, joy, and so much to be grateful for. Earth is a gift—a temporary home rich with opportunity. But it isn’t our home. Not in the eternal sense. Our true home is with God the Father, and every breath we take here is a step on the journey back to Him. 

And we don’t walk this path alone. We are here to walk with our neighbors, to invite them into the story. Every act of love, every moment of grace, every time we reflect Christ’s heart—we are offering glimpses of that coming reality. We are planting seeds of heaven.

So let’s not just wait for heaven. Let’s live in a way that echoes it now. Let’s live in love, in community, love on purpose, remembering that heaven is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of everything we were created for.

Thank you Jesus, that we may walk ahead with a thankful heart as we follow you and receive the many gifts you have set aside for us on this earth to steward, may we do it well. 

Amen.

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