PASTOR’S PEN . . .
by Pastor Dave Templin

The story is told of a man who died and went to heaven. 

St. Peter greeted him at the gate and assigned one of the archangels to escort him on a tour of heaven. 

A huge mansion dominated the landscape.  Upon entering, the man discovered many hallways with countless rooms that had doorways, but no doors. 

As they passed each room they would peek in to see who was there. 

In the first room the man saw people singing and dancing and throwing water everywhere.  “Baptists,” commented the guide.

A peek into the next room revealed people sitting quietly and reverently.  “Quakers,” the guide whispered.

At the next there came forth the ancient soaring tones of Gregorian chant.  “Roman Catholics,” said the guide.

A solid rock-n-roll beat pulsed from yet another room.  “Late 20^th century youth,” was the only comment.

And so went the tour of the mansion until they came to a long hallway devoid of doorways, save one at the very far end, and this tightly closed. 

“Shhhh,” whispered the guide with her finger to her lips, “that’s the Presbyterians.  They think they’re the only ones here!”

Isn’t it great that our Father’s mansion has so many rooms? 

There is space for everyone.  I rejoice whenever you offer to share your room with me. 

But I rejoice far more when you rejoice that my room also is there, even when it is a room that you do not frequent. 

For that is when we both know that we are truly welcome in the kingdom.