My grandmother died this weekend, and her passing has gotten me thinking again about the perspectives of people in heaven. Do you ever wonder what your departed loved ones would say to you now that they’ve spent some time there? Whether they’ve been there six months or several decades I’m sure their perspective on our natural lives has changed.

• The grief that plagued them here is a distant memory there.
• The tears that wouldn’t stop flowing here have long since dried up there.
• The anxieties that robbed their peace have been exposed as the imposters they really are.

Things look very different from heaven’s vantage point, and I’m sure our loved ones’ counsel would reflect that changed perspective.

My first daughter, Alexis Grace, has been there for thirteen years now and I’m sure that if she could speak to me she would tell me:

• Don’t lose heart…following Jesus is worth whatever price you’ll have to pay.
• Don’t worry so much…earthly monsters are trivial compared to heaven’s glory.
• Jesus is everything you hoped He would be…and yet infinitely more.
• Worry less.
• Worship more.
• Keep loving your loved ones and investing in the things that last forever.
• And since Winston Churchill is my favorite historical figure, she might even quote him to drive her point home. She might say: “Never give up. Never give up. Never, ever, ever give up.”

“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” (2 Corinthians 4:1)