The Gate to the Garden
Recalling my childhood days of going to church with my
family, I heard people talk about a special garden and how
beautiful it will be. What a great reunion it’s going to be
with our families, again. That was many years ago.
Today, I still hear people talking about that special
garden. When the day comes for me to go to that special
garden, with all it’s beauty and all the excitement going
on, I don’t want to be alone. I want someone to walk inside
with me, that we might share the joy and excitement together
... and that’s why I say:
Won't you wait for me at the
gate to the garden. Then, we will walk, together, inside.
There, we will see our friends and our loved ones, again.
What a gathering it will be in the end. I was sitting
on a bench, by a store, next to a busy road in town and was
talking to several men sitting beside me when I noticed
three people, walking toward us, engaged in a heavy
conversation.
As they approached, I heard one saying that they could not
wait to see that special garden. Another one said they were
told that the garden was going to be a breath taking site to
see.
The other one said, "Yep. It's going to be a grand reunion
to see my folks, again."
I stood up and said, "I'm sorry for listening to your
conversation. But, where is this special garden you all are
talking about?" Is it for members only, or is the public
invited? Do I have to make reservations?
They looked at me with a blank stare. I did no know if they
thought I was stupid, or if they just did not know how to
answer me.
One Sunday morning, at church, the pastor said his sermon
was going to be about the garden. Finally, someone was going
to give me my answers. I sat up straight on the bench. This
is one Sunday, I was not going to fall asleep.
After about 1 1/2 hours of sermon, he still had not answered
my questions.
As the congregation was leaving, I made sure I was the last
one out. I said, "Pastor, I need some answers about that
special garden."
The pastor led me into his conference room where we could
sit comfortably. He said, "My child, what are your
questions?"
"Where is this garden? How do I get there?"
The pastor said, "I'm not sure I can answer all your
questions. But, I will try. I will try to explain it to you
as it was explained to me, many years ago.
At the end of time, when the almighty opens the eastern
skies, there will be a golden staircase descending from the
heavens. We will walk up that staircase to a large archway,
with a gate. The archway will be entwined with roses of many
colors.
Inside that gate is a wide path to walk upon. On each side
of the path will be fields of flowers. At the end of the
path, there will be millions and millions of angels gathered
around.
In the middle of that gathering will be the Master, in His
purple robe.
"How do I get there?" I asked.
The pastor smiled, again, and said, "That is all up to you."
"Do you think there will be doggies in heaven, too? 'Cause
we will sure miss our dear little friends. Do we need to
make reservations?"
The pastor replied, "Christ was crucified on the cross.
Then, He arose from the dead and ascended to the heavens
above. Our reservations were made at that time. It is up to
each of us if we want to keep that seating or give it to
someone else."
I stood up, shook the pastor's hand, and thanked him for
giving me the answers I had been searching many years for.
Then, I hurried out the church, to go home as quickly as I
could.
I ran into the house, then to the bedroom where my wife was
lying in bed. Sitting down on the bed, beside her, I took a
small bony hand and placed it gently in mine.
We both looked at each other and smiled. We knew that time
was getting shorter and that, soon, I would be left alone
... just for a little while.
I said, "The pastor told me about a garden that I am sure
you will love to see. There are many flowers there and I
know how much you like flowers.
The pastor said that we will see our little friends, again,
too. So, I know you won't be lonely while you wait for me."
Then, I leaned over and whispered, "I love you. I have one
last request to ask of you." She nodded her head.
A bright light covered the length of her body and I knew she
would be there waiting for me.
These were the last words she heard.
"Won't you wait for me at
the gate to the garden. Then, we will walk, together,
inside. We will see our friends and our loved ones, again.
What a gathering it will be, in the end.
Won't you wait for me at the gate to the garden. Then, we
will walk, together, inside. We will see our momma, papa,
sister, and brother. What a gathering it will be, bye and
bye."
© 1995 by Robert H. Gilbert, Jr.
RGBLUEBOY@aol.com