If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.

C. S. Lewis

***

With The Guardian’s arms wrapped snugly around his chest, the wind rushing past his ears and whipping through his hair, Jesse extended his arms and whooped for joy just like Woody in “Toy Story” when he flew with Buzz.

The sea, a luminous, turquoise blue rushed by far below. The Guardian angled towards the water till they were just skimming above its surface. Unable to resist, Jesse dipped his right hand into the water, fingers extended. His hand sliced into the water creating a plume of ocean spray behind the duo as they sped across the sea. The cool water sent a delightful tingling sensation up his arm. Jesse laughed and thought perhaps he heard the Guardian chuckle, but he couldn’t say for certain. They lifted higher again, and he could no longer reach the water.

Ahead, the breakers rolled onto a glistening white shore. Further back, yet towering over the beach, a vertical rock face rose to unknown heights.

As they flew over the pristine white sands, the rock wall loomed ahead. Dramatically, the Guardian altered course and shot straight up, parallel to the cliff face. Jesse’s stomach jumped at the sudden change in direction. They accelerated as they rose ever higher. Soon, the beach below vanished from sight and still they ascended. Just as it seemed there would be no end to the rock wall, they slowed and crested the top.

As far as the eye could see, a shining white wall stretched along the edge of the precipice in either direction. There was a walkway on top of the wall and watchtowers evenly spaced along its length. A figure, looking over the parapet, waved as they flew over and past the wall.

“An angel?” Jesse asked.

“Yes,” replied the Guardian. “Welcome to Heaven’s Country.”

Their journey took them over majestic snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and beautiful meadows until at last they sighted the City of God situated in the midst of a vast golden plain.

The city was built on and around a mountain whose summit thrust up into the sky to dizzying heights. The most dazzling colours of light appeared to emanate from the city. From their vantage point, high in the air, it resembled a shining jewel set in a sea of gold. And yet, as high as they were, the mountain rose still higher. Jesse doubted whether or not they could have flown over it.

The city grew ever larger as they drew nearer until it dominated the entire landscape. The Guardian angled downward and slowed their flight. They were landing. As they approached the ground, a gentle breeze played over the golden grass causing a rippling effect that was stunning. It reminded Jesse of a wheat field.

As they swooped in closer, a path presented itself, cutting through the wheat-grass and leading toward a large gate set in the massive wall of the city. The wall itself extended to either side until it disappeared on the horizon. It pulsed with mesmerizing colours as if the light from within the city could not quite be contained by its walls. The gate was open and a large angel stood guard beside it.

The Guardian released him as Jesse’s feet touched the ground. “We’re here, Child.”

Jesse looked at him with apprehension. “Will you come with me?”

The Guardian smiled. “I will see you again soon. Someone else is waiting for you here. You must go to the gate now.”

The boy turned. Tentatively, he started walking toward the gate.

***

The Guardian watched as intense light poured out of the opening onto the walkway. Its brilliance increased a hundredfold as a figure, silhouetted by the light, stepped through the gate.

The boy hesitated, but the silhouetted figure did not. He ran to the boy, picked him up in his arms, and twirled him around before gently setting him down again. Then, the Lord, of both Heaven and Earth, stooped down in front of the child, reaching out his nail scarred hands. The child took hold of the Lord’s hands and threw himself into the arms of his Saviour.

The Guardian could not hear the words that were spoken between the two. They were sacred between the child and the Lord. Soon, the two of them walked hand in hand back through the gate. The celebration would soon follow.

Peter Wiebe 2012