Every time this snapshot appears on the computer’s slideshow, I can’t help but think of Heaven.

My daughter and I were running in a 5K in my hometown, Marathon, Iowa. And in this shot, we are only a few steps away from the finish line. We are weary, but smiling, because we are almost there. The finish is in reach. We will soon rest. And celebrate.

And my sister stands on the sidelines, cheering us on, reminding us not to give up.

The finish line stretches across the road in front of my childhood church. And there’s a man at the microphone, announcing the names of everyone who crosses the finish line. That man is my father.

“Here they come! Here they come!” Dad’s voice booms as runners approach. Every year, Dad makes a point of naming each runner. He says he thinks that important, that one small act of naming as each runner approaches. And the crowd always cheers.

And that’s what he did for me. That’s what my Dad did for me. He belted it out, like he was proud to introduce me to the others who’d already crossed over. Like he was so happy to finally see me there: “That’s my daughter, Jennifer!”

We love to dream about Heaven, and all the wonders that it will hold. And we get to do that today with our good friends over at FaithRadioNet.com. I’d love for you to join us there, and we invite you to share your thoughts on Heaven. What are you most looking forward to? Who from the Bible do you most want to sit with, sharing stories over coffee? What food do you hope they serve every single day?

Bunk beds or king-size or hammocks? 

Isn’t it fun to imagine?

Click here to join us at Faith Radio!

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