Almost Heaven

There is a reason why the beautiful state I live in is called "Almost Heaven" West Virginia. John Denver’s song had it right. It often feels like Heaven here. Right now outside my window the Autumn leaves are beginning to change colors. The radiant reds are glowing in the sun. The peaceful yellows are rustling in the breeze. The brilliant burgundy’s and outrageous oranges are making entire trees as bright as flowers. Even the fallen leaves are turning the paths into multicolored, crunchy carpets that are a delight to walk on. I can hear children laughing and see adults smiling as they stroll through these leaves and enjoy the wonderful scent of them in the air. Everywhere I look I can see God’s colors painting the trees and mountains with beauty. If it isn’t Heaven here then it certainly is close.

It isn’t just the mountains that make it Heavenly here either. I can see bits of Heaven in so many of the people too. There is a kindness in their smiles. There is a gentleness in their voices. There is a goodness in their actions. There is a patience in their manner. There is a peace in their souls. There is a love in their hearts. And there is a joy in their lives. Everyday they grow a little more in oneness with God. Everyday they bring a little more Heaven into this world. I feel truly blessed to live in such a beautiful state with such good people.

West Virginia, however, isn’t the only place that can be Almost Heaven. Anyplace on Earth can be Almost Heaven if we take our Heaven with us. How much Heaven is within you? No matter how much you said take heart in knowing that it can always be more. God gives us that choice every single day. Everyday we can choose to love more, give more, care more, and help more. Everyday we can choose to bring the joy of Heaven into our hearts and souls and then share it with the world. Everyday we can live in Almost Heaven while still here on Earth.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright © 2010 (joecool@wirefire.com) -- submitted by: Joseph Mazzella ]