In the book Return From Tomorrow, George Ritchie tells of his Near Death Experience and his view of heaven. In describing one part of the next life he compares it to a university campus. He says, “Enormous buildings stood in a beautiful sunny park and there was a relationship between the various structures, a pattern in which they were arranged, that reminded me somewhat of a well-planned university. Except to compare what I was seeing with anything on earth was ridiculous. It was more as if all the schools and colleges in the world were only piecemeal reproductions of this reality.”
I have always liked that view of heaven, because whenever I am on a university campus, I feel a little closer to God. It feeds my soul and lifts my vision. I love the musty smells and the sight of people scurrying around with backpacks. I love being surrounded by buildings full of classrooms. I love the way college campuses combine art, architecture and wide-open spaces with little gardens and fountains. I love bookstores and libraries and laptop computers. I love sitting and discussing the “mysteries of the universe.” I love questions more than I love answers. I hope when I get to heaven I find, like Mr. Ritchie, that it is paved not with gold but with brick and mortar.
6 comments:
i believe heaven is where or whatever feeds our souls! wonderful post
I like that description. Hopefully you can one day work at a university campus and feel that every single day :)
Ok, for not having a camera, those are great pictures! Glad you found some peace on your trip! :) Can't wait for quiet time to hear more, but thanks for sharing some of your feelings! I like knowing what you are thinking about.
I've never thought of a college campus that way before (perhaps the memory of finals is still a bit too clear), but I think a agree. What a beautiful campus UNCG appears to have. I wish I could have seen it with you.
I love this post! Sometimes I think I remember heaven but it was probably BYU since that is were my earliest memories were living so close at y mount.
I was on the ceu campus today with James. We laid on a blanked and enjoyed the beautiful landscape. I really like campuses now that I don't have the stress of term papers.
So I came over after seeing Jessica's post about you graduating. I really want to go to school, and I look at my kids and wonder how I will ever have the time.
You inspire me.
Congrats.
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