The Bucket List

Have you seen the movie?

It’s about two strangers who meet in a hospital room, decide to leave (against their doctor’s advice) and strike out on a big adventure together, checking off a list of things they want to do before they “kick the bucket.”

The movie is fun to watch, and it’s definitely made its mark on our society, because now, when you just say, “bucket list,” everyone knows exactly what you mean.

Still Can’t Compare

But here’s the thing.  I’ve always felt just a tad guilty for even saying “bucket list.” It seems to me like it elevates earthly pleasures and places to the be-all, end-all and diminishes the fact that there’s even better to enjoy after we kick the bucket!  As in, heaven.

I love lists:  To-do lists, grocery lists, lists of books to read. You name it – I love a good list!  But I want to stay mindful of this:

Absolutely nothing we see or enjoy on this earth can compare with what we will see and enjoy in heaven.

The Best List

Ain’t no man-made bucket list that can come close to the things we’ll check off seeing and doing in heaven.  The Bible says that no eye has even seen or heard anything as fabulous as what is awaiting us after we kick the earthly bucket.

Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? Rocky Mountain National Park? Banff, Canada, perhaps? Can you believe it? Paul tells us that heaven’s wonders are even greater.

In heaven, it will be all good.  Just think of that. All good. Nothing bad, sad or one tiny bit mad.  ALL GOOD.

Setting Goals

And yet, here we are on earth for a time, truly wired by God to set goals and complete them.  In fact, if we line our thinking up with his, knowing that we’re created in his image, we understand that our thrill when completing a goal is a teensy bit what God experiences when checking off his creative list. With a methodical approach, one day building on the other, God created the heavens and the earth. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”

As believers, we can live with a balanced approach to what we’d like to accomplish with our days here on earth. I love what Proverbs 16:9 says about that.

“In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” We are in partnership with God, such that we set goals and make our plans, keeping in mind that God will bless some and put a sovereign stop to others.

Surprises Along the Way

So, for now, here I am with my favorite guy, in a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Austin. Both of us are grateful and sometimes downright giddy over the surprise of it all.

Mike says almost every day, “You live here, you know.” We’re not on vacation.  We live here.  Wow. What started as an idea grew to a goal, and now, we live here. Downtown Austin, Texas. Where naked men ride bicycles and Congress meets down the street.

I never really thought I would like a cabinet with glass doors, but I think this combination of those two set of dishes I told you about looks good on display – and we’re using them.  Our daughter, Aly,  stood on a chair and carefully stacked the rest of the dishes, including 22 cups and saucers, in a cabinet above the fridge.

My beloved books are all here, too.  Some are displayed on shelves, and some are stacked under the couch, but at least they are here.

Can you imagine all the dishes and books we might get to enjoy in heaven?

Make Your Plans

What’s on your “bucket list”?

God has placed dreams and goals in your hearts, dear friends, so go for it! Keep moving forward and watching for God’s direction.

But when you’re finished, enjoying the blessing in the bounty of the checkmark, don’t forget. Heaven will be even greater.

  Encouraging intentional earthly adventure with a heavenly perspective,