You can't really see the sun in heaven as you do in the world.
The sun is actually replaced by a magnificent glow that emulates
from the very heart of God. The light in heaven is more intense,
more illuminating, and more peaceful than the sunlight of earth.
It is God's love for his children that permeates the endless
reaches and regions of this eternal place we call heaven.
This glow reaches down into the very souls of heaven's
inhabitants to cleanse and refresh the eternal spirits that are
the image of the creator. It is no accident, no fluke, or no
mere chance that the souls that enjoy the companionship of their
creator have arrived home to this beautiful, breathtaking,
bountiful garden of love. They made the right choice, they
accepted God's unqualified love, they sought wisdom over
knowledge, faith over sight, and truth over lies.
At some time, in their earthly life, someone loved them so much that they told them of a loving God. A God who wanted their companionship so badly he sent his only Son, Jesus, to die for them, to take upon Himself, the sinless lamb, their punishment, their just reward; death and separation from God, so they might live forever with the Father. Not only that, but when they heard this gospel they responded, believing by faith God's promises and taking the Hand of God that reached through time and space into their sinful hearts. They made the right choice, a choice of wisdom to reach their destiny, their eternal home, heaven.
As we look closely, we find a young man grooming a black Labrador inside his little shop on the outskirts of Myriam, a small town situated near the River of Life that flows from the Holy City. Doyle has been in heaven only a short time by our standards. He has no concept of time which doesn't really exist in heaven nor does he exhibit any affects of the illness that racked his body during the last days of what we call "life" on earth. He was reborn the instant he accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord and this reborn creation that embraced true "life" at the Gate to Eden is who we now see.
Doyle spent most of his earthly life working with animals. He treated many of his two and four-legged friends throughout his time in the world and it is only natural that Jesus allowed him to continue his work in heaven. Health is not an issue in heaven for even animals. Doyle's main occupation is caring for the animals that have preceded their earthly owners in coming home.
Doyle finishes with the big black dog and places him in the enclosure behind his shop with the rest of the animals. He returns to the front of the building where he finds a close friend, Blasdon, the Guardian, waiting. Doyle asks, "Blasdon, what are you doing here, my friend? Are you picking up one of my charges for a recent arrival?"
Blasdon replies, "Not this time, God's child. I need your help in the world, as someone will be coming home soon. Jesus says it is all right. Will you come with me?"
"Of course, my friend. How can I refuse someone who helped me so many times in the world? When do we go?"
"Now, Doyle. We need to go now."
********
It is about eleven at night. Patrick is watching his old friend, Monte, through the kitchen door window leading to the garage. He sees Monte drag his arthritic back legs onto a dog bed placed outside of the kitchen door.
Sally, Patrick's wife, says, "He is getting so feeble and he's in so much pain because of his legs. He is getting deaf, too. We need to put Monte down, Patrick."
"I know, Sally. It's just that it's kind of hard to make that decision. I'll look for a veterinarian tomorrow and see about taking Monte in."
********
Simon watches from his vantage point in the alley as the lights in the house go out. "Finally," he thinks. "I didn't think they would ever go to bed."
He has been on cocaine for about six months. Simon lost his job a few weeks ago because of his drug habit. Breaking into homes has become his only means to provide funds for the cocaine that his body now craves so desperately.
Kalizar, the demon, clings like a leech as he whispers evil thoughts in Simon's ear. "Be sure to take your knife. Give them enough time to get to sleep. You may need to kill them... you need money... a lot of money and they have it. Don't get so impatient... wait for the right time. Use the garage... the door is open." Kalizar smiles as his puppet follows his directions. He knows that his master, Lucifer, will be pleased.
Simon slips though the darkness as he hugs the garage outer wall until he comes to the open back door. "If they get in my way, I'll take them out. They have plenty of money... it's not fair." He enters the near dark garage and heads towards the kitchen door. He is a few feet from the door when he hears a low growl and turns.
Simon screams as a huge animal hits his chest and the pain in his arm is terrible as teeth break the skin. The knife goes flying as Simon flings his attacker away from him and he bolts out the garage door.
********
Patrick opens the door for the policeman and invites him inside the house. Patrolman Don Davis says, "We caught this punk down the street. He was running like the devil was after him. When your call came in about an attempted robbery, we kind of put two and two together. There have been a number of unsolved break-ins lately and I believe we have the culprit. It is strange... He contends a huge dog attacked and bit his arm. He says he lost his knife because of it."
Patrick offers a switchblade knife to the Patrolman. "I found this in the garage and I used a cloth to pick it up."
Davis says, "That about does it. If he confirms this is his knife and maybe we'll find a fingerprint or two that will cinch it for us. One thing, do you have a dog like he describes?"
Patrick replies, "Not really... Let me show you, Officer." He opens the back door and continues, "Monte died in his sleep... He's right there in his bed. I'm glad because he was so very sick. I was having trouble making the right decision for him."
Davis says, "I can understand... Well, that wraps it up. I didn't think that dope head was operating in reality. He was screaming about his bloody arm and there wasn't anything wrong with his arm. He was just hallucinating. Thanks for your help. You will need to come down in the morning and sign some papers."
After the officer leaves and the couple get back into bed, Patrick says, "I'm glad that's over. We've had quite a night of it. I'll go in late to work tomorrow and take care of this business and also take care of Monte."
Sally says, "I sorry about Monte, but it is the best thing. He was hurting so much."
"I'm glad he went like he did. I just couldn't bring myself to put him to sleep. If Doyle was still alive, I would have felt better taking Monte to him. Doyle saved Monte's life when he was a puppy and took care of him all the time. You knew Doyle loved Monte and finding someone like him is hard."
********
As Doyle and Monte pass from this dimension into eternity,
Monte runs ahead of his old friend toward the bright light.
There is no evidence of the crippling affects of age or disease
and Monte feels like a puppy as he runs back to Doyle and leaps
into his arms.
Monte will be waiting for Patrick and Sally when they come
home too.
********
Inspired by the life of a good friend to our family and our animals, Doyle Johnson, DVM. He is sorely missed.
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke
will be at home among the wise.
Proverbs 15:31 NIV
