My Helicopter List

Photo by: num_skyman

When our son was small, he looked outside our church and decided we needed to get a helicopter. Just outside our church window is a cement playground that truly looks like a helipad. And, we have a flat front yard at our home. Sooooo . . . one plus one equals . . . we need a helicopter.

It was a good idea with one catch: money. Needless to say, our little boy never got his fast-track-to-church wish.

I’ve often “wanted” a helicopter. There are so many places I’d visit in one. (I could just visit the one or two strategic places in the country. Pop down, visit, hop back in the ’copter, and up and away!) Here are some of the places I’d go, in no special order:

• The Taj Mahal, India
• Red Square in Moscow
• The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
• Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock, the empty tomb, Mount of Olives
• Kenya—and on an animal safari straight from the helipad
• Patagonia
• The Grand Canyon
• Machu Picchu—I’d set down on top, so I don’t have to climb it.
• Japan and Washington D.C. in cherry blossom season
• Holland in tulip season
• Turkey, especially Ephesus and Cappadocia
• Egyptian pyramids and tombs
• The Parthenon in Athens
• The Colosseum in Rome
• Florence, Italy
• The Great Wall of China and the terra cotta soldiers
• Venice—Would I have to land in the Piazza?

Number One on my “stay-and-visit” list (different from my helicopter list) is the British Isles. The reason is because my ancestors were from England, Ireland, and Scotland. I’m curious to experience my roots. (I have German and Native American roots as well and have already explored those places.) I want to do the touristy things like seeing the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London, Westminster, and Buckingham Palace, but I also want to go out into the countryside and soak it in. I haven’t planned it yet, but it’s been on my “want-to” list for many years. Maybe someday.

It’s fun to dream. It’s crazy sometimes, but it’s fun.

Did you ever think about how you get from the earth to heaven?  It’s not in a helicopter!

The Bible says the transition is “departing.” (Philippians 1:23)

When believers pass away, they will be absent from the body, and . . . present with the Lord (from 2 Corinthians 5:8).

When the thief on the cross beside Jesus was about to die, the Lord told him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43b).

So, how to we get to heaven? Hmmm . . . .

It must not be important. The fact is that those who have trusted Jesus as Savior from their sins don’t need to worry about death. It’s a transition for their soul. The soul leaves the body behind and is immediately with the Lord.

There are all kinds of books and stories about people who have “come back from the dead” and near-death experiences. Whether they are true or imagination, I have no idea. I do believe that people sometimes glimpse the other side at the point of death. I believe that, in that instant, they’re seeing where they are going for eternity. I’m not sure I believe in tunnels with lights at the end, but I have no idea, since my life experience has never taken me near death.

Whatever, it’s important to know what awaits you before you take that journey. What will you see one moment after your passing?

There were two thieves crucified on either side of Jesus. This is their story: And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise (Luke 23:39-43).

One was conscious that he was a sinner. The other mocked.

One acknowledged Jesus as his Messiah. The other was silent.

Jesus told the one who repented and called out to Him that he would soon be with him in heaven.

Notice that the thief that went to heaven hadn’t:

• Done good works
• Lived for God
• Been baptized

Why did he get to go to heaven? He put his faith in Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

What do you need in order to get to heaven? (I can guarantee heaven will be on your “to stay destinations” list.)

You won’t need a helicopter!

Trust Jesus.

Jesus said,

And this is the will of him that sent me,

that every one which seeth the Son,

and believeth on him, may have everlasting life:
and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:40).