Part Ii-The Grave Digger Who Visited Heaven

Paul had a near-death experience, one of the most incredible ones... he visited Heaven: the place of bliss! And as he climbed the gold stairway, he heard many familiar voices he had known in the previous life...they happily chanted glorifying God, who was seated on an ivory throne surrounded by Archangels, Saints and Prophets whom he remembered from his Bible readings. He tried to look at God's face, but he was blinded by an intense light... more brilliant than the sun itself, then Jesus approached with his out-stretched arms. Paul smiled and was elated to have found salvation, but Jesus kindly said to him, " Paul, your time hasn't come yet, return to Earth and tell them! " And briefly pausing He continued, " When that time comes, your honorable name will be written in the Book of Life, and angels will carry your new body on their swift wings and you will enter Paradise! " Paul's face was expressive of disappointment and bitterness and weeping replied, " The people of Earth deride a grave digger so groggy and grubby, and they mock him with their delirious laughs; I would rather be dead than return to them! " " Go and show them your mercy! " Jesus commanded him. Paul had only minutes before he would be buried, so he rushed back and surprisingly saw a large crowd attending his service as Father Michael, the Chapel's priest, performed the last rites by splashing Holy Water in and around the shadowy grave. They heard a knock coming from inside of the coffin...Paul's voice became louder, " I am alive, not dead...let me out! " Everyone was horrified and shocked, but Father Michael ordered the mortician to open the casket and let Paul out. Jubilation filled the chilly air, and streaks of light filtered through the murky clouds...their shouts were heard as far as the outskirts of town: Paul was alive!" I sat with Paul the day after under the shade of a fragrant pine, and he told me about his visit to Heaven with tremendous joy and fervent faith. He admitted that he was wrong not to have shown them his compassion and with the sincerest smile he proclaimed, " My anger and grudge have vanished; I have forgiven them...I am so glad to have returned! " Entered in the ramblig Poet's contest, " In Search Of The Human Mind" Assignment: A Near-Death Experience