I was back in Penang recently and had breakfast with some old friends. We had all been in school together and have known each other for more than 60 years. We talked about things in the past, things in the present, and things yet unseen. There was a lot of loud laughter. The dim sum was tasty and the ideal backdrop for our feast of friendship.
Then it was time to go. We were reluctant to say goodbye. We had enjoyed the time so much. Perhaps we wondered when we would meet again. Deep down maybe we wondered if all would be there the next time we met. But we were also all friends of Jesus. And at some point in the future, we will begin to vacate our table here to populate the table on the other side. In the meantime, we will grab every opportunity to meet up and to connect.
The best things in this life are but shadows of things to come. Friendship, meals —rehearsing for heaven.