Heaven Breaks Through in Thin Places

There are thin places on earth
where the heaven and earth come very close together
and the light and grace of God simply breaks through.

My life has been blessed with so much more than my wildest dreams.
I imagined the kind of family that I dearly wanted
And life gave me one brighter than my fondest dreams.
I imagined the friends that would make me happy
And I have been happiest when I can make them happy.
I dreamed of success and achievements I thought were pipe dreams
And I have scaled dizzying heights of success that beggared my imaginings.
It was so easy and natural finding these thin places.

There are thin places on earth
where the heaven and earth come very close together
and the light and grace of God simply breaks through.

I got drunk with success and my achievements.
I was so full of myself
I thought everything was due to my talents and efforts.
I became so patronizing and condescending of others
That many saw only my pride and arrogance.
I was treading on dangerously thin ice.
In humility, I gratefully acknowledged that everything was gift.
I owned nothing on my own,
Knowing that I cannot boast of anything on my own.

There are thin places on earth
where the heaven and earth come very close together
and the light and grace of God simply breaks through.

I have held the tiny finger of my sons and grandchildren
And I felt the presence of God’s hand.
I have shared tears and joys with Anabelle
And I have understood how God cleanses us with love.
I have laughed and worked with colleagues and friends
And I have truly continued God’s work of creation.
I hike and enjoy the great outdoors
And it was truly a walk with God.

There are thin places on earth
where the heaven and earth come very close together
and the light and grace of God simply breaks through.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14