Heaven (aka Love’s Presence) can wait, but doesn’t have to.

Love, right here, right now.

A modern interpretation of many scriptural claims puts heaven out there somewhere, someday, maybe.

Let me get to the point. We can have Love (aka heaven) here today, if we chose to. To do so we must recognize, but not get imprisoned by, the voices within and around us telling us we don’t deserve it or must earn it. Love is here all the time for all of us.

The other day I came across a blog from a well known pastor pointing to a heavenly reward someday if we “follow our calling today.” The multiple and clear pointers throughout various holy scriptures, including the Bible, point to heaven on earth, Love here and now.

… on earth as it is in heaven.

The story of the prodigal son from the Bible shows both sons misunderstanding of how deep and broad Love is. In a similar story from the Buddhist tradition, a lost son is so startled by the intense Love shown by his father, he actually becomes fearful, leading the father to prepare a path helping the son rediscover Love slowly over time.

So, we have a son’s return met with celebration; another son’s bitterness met with the statement “everything I have is yours my child”; and in a third case a son who becomes fearful over Love’s welcome, and thus is wooed over time back to Love. The message is clear: every one of us is Beloved.

Every one is Beloved.

Practice

So what’s the inside move you can make to recognize Love, here and now for you and for everyone?

Voices will continue to arise within and circumstances around you saying “I’m not worthy”, “they’re not worthy” or “it can’t be true because of this reason or that”.

Be still and invite Love’s Presence in. You may be tentative at first, allow yourself to go slow.

You might want to involve your breath.

Take a deep breath breathing in Love, which surrounds you. Breathe out breathing the Love within you back into the world.

As you continue with this practice various thoughts and emotions will come up within you. As they do and as you’re able, simply observe. As each new thing comes up, invite Love to be there too.

Be patient as you watch Love grow within you.

Optional: Going deeper…

When you feel calm, and sense Love’s Presence, begin to go within yourself once again and locate a judgement or difficult feeling you carry toward someone else then hold it together with Love’s Presence as a prayer. Consider creating a cup with your hands as a way to hold this open to Love’s healing.

Allow Love to surround you and be patient as you observe Love in action within you.

Love is patient and kind, Love keeps no record of wrongs.

In our busy lives, full of inner and outer activity, we can easily miss the quiet persistence of Love.

Even a few moments right now can help you recognize the flow of Love within. It may seem a difficult or odd moment but know that Love is right where you are with a standing invitation.

As you practice the presence of Love, I’d appreciate hearing from you about your experiences and any other ways you’re finding Love within and around.