Bringing Heaven to Earth

Description

We would all love a little bit more heaven! I reflect on the prayer, “as in heaven, so upon the earth,” and the Swedenborgian conviction that heaven takes shape wherever love becomes useful in our daily lives. The doorway may be simpler than we imagine: obedience as a willingness to “lean in and listen.” This “full body listening” helps us notice sadness within ourselves, meet it with self-compassion, and truly attend to another person’s joy or struggle. It also opens our eyes to wonder. A conversation about grandchildren, a shared meal, a quiet moment of gratitude can become a little bit of heaven here on earth. When fear, ego, and our own agendas loosen their grip, we can listen for God and let that listening guide us toward one another.