Saint Peter's Tears

We lay  “claim” to things everyday, usually without a thought. Whenever we start a statement with “My”, we claim ownership. Having thought on this over the years, I think I am finally getting it. Although I may have a headache or a flair up of arthritis, do I really want to “own” them? No. I want them to go away. Nevertheless, when I refer to them as “My” I assert ownership. Today instead of commenting on or talking about the negative things in “My” life I take whatever secular action is indicated, aspirin, heating pad, ice pack etc followed by a short prayer thanking God for knowing Him better. Today I claim all the gifts and blessings that God has not only for me but for you as well, that all I desire in “My” life comes to you as well. Years ago I came upon this piece on blessings that touched me deeply:

A man found himself standing at the gates leading to heaven. He was upset and relieved at the same time. Upset that he passed but relieved that he was standing at Heaven’s Gate. Saint Peter greeted him and motioned for him to come forward. As he walked through the gates, he was struck speechless by the beauty and peace that greeted him. Saint Peter ushered him around showing him the wonders of heaven. Finally, they came upon a rather plain building, its plainness a stark contrast against the beauty of all the others. Turning to Saint Peter he asked, “What is that building?” Saint Peter replied, “All of Heaven is open to you but I beseech you to leave that structure be.” The man nodded, for who would question a Saint? But try as he might he could not get that one building out of his mind and after a time asked, “You said all of Heaven is open to me so if I wished to visit any building I can?” With a look of resignation, Saint Peter nodded for he knew which building the man was thinking of. As they walked, Saint Peter waited for the statement that always followed. Soon the man turned to him and said, “I would like to go back to the plain building.” With sadness and a pass of his hand Saint Peter deposited them on the doorstep. “I urge you again not to go in.” The man nodded but he would not be swayed. As the doors opened the man was greeted with the sight of row upon row of seeming endless shelves on which rested exquisite boxes each inscribed with a name. He turned to Saint Peter and asked if there was a box with his name on it. Saint Peter replied yes but again urged they leave the building. Undeterred the man ran down the aisles until he found the box with his name on it. As he took it down from the shelf, he turned to see tears in Saint Peter’s eyes, undeterred he removed the lid. As he looked in the box his heart fell for the box contained all the blessings that God had gifted him that had been left unclaimed. He then knew and they wept together.
 
  In prayer claim all of God’s blessings today and if you don‘t know what they are, ask and He will make them plain for you and countless others.

© Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

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