No room on the flight for me

by Audrey Carli

When my husband was making travel plans, he said, "Honey, I didn't want to take this trip, but then I read more about the beautiful place I am going to. Now I'm interested. All I need now is an invitation for the exact date I will go there."

"We have other plans, honey," I said. "We just built the log cabin where we want to retire some day. You haven't forgotten about those plans? You can't take that trip!"

Dave kept reading the book that explained how beautiful and peaceful his destination would be. He made the trip his number one plan: "Please be happy for me, honey."

"I'll try," I said, gazing at his shimmering blue eyes.

Later, when Dave's plans were complete, I wanted to clutch his sleeve and beg him not to leave me behind: "What'll I do without you?"

His eyes dulled at my words. "There's no room on this flight for you. But when you can make the trip, you can be sure I will be waiting to greet you!" He then described the beautiful destination again: "The river running through it has clear, pure water. It must look like gleaming glass in the bright light."

For the first time, peace softened my heart concerning his travel plans. His destination sounded absolutely lovely and peaceful. Yes, I would be lonely for him while we were separated, but some day we would be together again.

I was lonely when Dave left. Yet, each time I recalled his shining blue eyes reflecting his joy about where he was going, inner peace flowed through me.

I am left alone in the United States, where a president heads the country. Dave is living where a King rules. We both met the King years ago and decided we wanted to live with Him forever.

In the meantime, I keep busy writing articles, and studying the book about the King and how He wants me to live. Perhaps my work will create fresh enthusiasm in readers, so they will anticipate their own joyful trip when their time comes to travel.

It is pleasant living in North America, but this is only a temporary dwelling place. We must choose where we want to live after we leave here.

My husband and I chose to go to heaven some day. We read our Bibles much to find out more. We were so grateful that Jesus died on the cross for us, to give us our ticket to heaven. He erased our sins. We accepted His gift, with joy.

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