I believe that everyday we get a glimpse of what heaven is all about.  It may be very quick.  But God offers to us a moment in which we can experience the glory and significance of God’s kingdom.

On vacation, I had one of those precious glimpses.  On the Virginia/Tennessee border there is a small town (actually a neighborhood) that has a rather interesting event every Saturday evening.  The Carter Family Fold is the homestead of a well-known bluegrass and mountain gospel group — the Carter family.

We arrived early as advised by others who have lived in the area.  We sat down and watched the people slowly fill the place up.  All ages, all sizes, and all types of people began to make the congregation.  This gathering ranged from little infants, from those bearing bizarre tattoos, to some who wore very plain mountain clothing.  All sorts and conditions of people coming together to enjoy — no, celebrate — what the evening had to offer.  We also noticed how many of these people wore taps on their shoes.

The bluegrass band warmed up and the energy of anticipation was electric.  Finally, the group, Kody Norris and the Watauga Mountain Boys,  played their first song.  The lead singer invited all who wanted to dance, play, to do whatever to come up and in front of the stage.  It was a mass altar call.  It was as if all of the regulars drifted down to dance. There were all kinds of styles and all kinds of movements…  Yet, the amazing thing was, the tapping was completely in sync and harmonious.  It was as if it were only one sound coming from the floor.

How is this a glimpse of heaven?  We are so different from each other.  Everyone of us brings to the stage something unique and something special.  But when we come together invited by God, the presence is remarkable and the sound of glory and joy is connected. This is that small glimpse of what the kingdom of God is and is going to be.
In the back of the prayer book, there is a selection of prayers and thanksgivings.  This section contains one of my favorite prayers, For the Human Family.  There is a phrase:

break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love;
and work though our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purpose on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne.

To me, this is a glimpse of heaven.  May we put on our tapping shoes and dance.

Yours in Christ,
Father Scotty+