Julie never believed in heaven. To her it was a rouge, a manipulation… at best a pretty story to make people feel less afraid of death. Julie wasn't afraid of death. She realized that when she died there would be no fear. It would just be the end.
Julie died on a warm Saturday afternoon. Her husband was at her side when she breathed her last. Her last words were, 'never forget me' and then she closed her eyes and died. Imagine her surprise when she found herself at the gates of heaven. A kind man with eyes of liquid love greeted her.
"Julie," He said, "Welcome to heaven"
"I don't belong here," she said ashamed, "I didn't believe"
"You may not have believed," He said, "but you were a beautiful caring loving lady and deep down in your heart you knew I was real. Deep down in your heart you knew this was real. You are welcomed into heaven because heaven is for everyone who loves me."
"How could I love you," Julie asked, "I didn't believe in you"
"When your neighbor was hungry didn't you feed her?"
"Yes"
"When you found a stranger who was ill didn't you take him in and care for him"
"Yes"
The man nodded.
"In loving your neighbors you have loved me. You have helped them when they were helpless. You've guided them when they were in need of guidance. You encouraged them when they needed encouragement. "
The gates of heaven opened. Julie was never so glad to be wrong