Heaven is Here

Have you read this book?  If you read it when it came out three years ago, have you picked it up yet again?  

This week I was struggling with my old enemy, and I reached for hope when I picked this friend up off the bookshelf.  I am so glad that I did, because my heart feels shiny and new again.  

Here is an excerpt from my journal when I first read the book:

"I admit that I chose motherhood out of a sense of duty and felt I was unqualified for anything grand as a real career.  My faith has hinted that there is so much more to my role--but I have gone about the business of raising a family with an astonishing lack of vision.  Today, on my knees, I felt the spirit testify that I am not 'just a mom--' but a beloved daughter of God with a mission to save souls.

"My thoughts return again to Stephanie's powerful example and perspective.  Even before the accident, she treasured the small joys and pleasures of daily family life: wet baby kisses, little girl giggles, the unexpected turns of a child's mind, stolen romantic moments, beautiful sunsets.  These little moments occur constantly in my blessedly home-centered life.  What worldly ambitions, accolades, or luxuries would I trade them for?  What distractions do I allow to crowd them out?

"Today as I knelt in gratitude, I shed tears of joy--then, opening my eyes, wiped my glasses clean.  My vision gets smudgy and unclear as I rub up against slobbery kids all day.  but as I draw closer to my Father in Heaven, I know he'll help me see a little better every day."