Last Saturday my husband and I thought we’d go to Rocky Mountain National Park for the day. We hadn’t been for a while, we had a free day, so off we headed. We chose our route and would drive through Estes Park to get to the entrance of the park.

What we failed to understand was the USA Pro Challenge Cycling Race would be in Estes Park that very day. I thought the news said that it was finished in that area. My husband misread the website. But low and behold, we were smack dab in the middle of it.

Roads were closed. There were thousands of people. There was a festival going along with the race. For a couple wanting to get away from it all and be “one” with nature, we hadn’t done so well.

We finally got to the entrance of the park and found that we weren’t the only ones heading out to see nature. Lines of cars waited to purchase a pass or show their pass to the park rangers.

Finally through that section, we wound our way to the top. The trip was beautiful, peaceful and for the most part people-free. No one pushed me to drive faster (which happens quite frequently). We were able to take our time and enjoy God’s creation.

When it was time to head back to reality, we thought we would take the other exit and go to our favorite restaurant in Estes Park. When we got to the fork, we were told that entrance/exit was closed due to the race. So we left the way we came.

Back in Estes, we found even more roads closed. The race was nearing this little mountain village and all traffic was stopped. We were stuck. With no place to go. So we found a parking spot and sat.

It wasn’t long before we realized the bike race would be passing just a few feet in front of where we were. A crowd had gathered, some in unusual outfits. Cow bells were ringing. We figured we might as well join the excitement.

Mason grabbed his camera and we joined this exuberant group of people.

It wasn’t long before the lead pack flew by (and I mean flew by). This was a fast race. Remember I’ve been to Daytona. Those cars are fast, but they have an engine! I have no idea how fast these men were going on their slim bicycles with thin tires, but neither Mason nor I got pictures of that group.

We were ready for the second pack though and got some great pictures of them along with all of the team cars with extra bike parts that followed.

The excitement was contagious. I was cheering and waving my hands just like the rest of the crowd. But I felt like an outsider. These people had intentionally showed up in this specific place to cheer on this group of athletes. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As we walked back to our car, I heard a little girl say to her mother, “Is it over? We waited all that time for that?” She was disappointed.

We may find excitement along the way in this life. We certainly will be disappointed. But one thing I can guarantee, when it’s over, we will not be disappointed.

God has prepared a beautiful ending to this life. Eternity with Him in heaven.

Jesus encouraged believers by sharing glimpses of heaven with them. Let’s look at a few of the things He said about it.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12 – NIV)

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust to not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21 – NIV)

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4 – NIV)

“I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world…I am the bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:32-33, 41 – NIV)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3 – NIV)

Heaven will not disappoint. The wait will be worth the destination. We will be in the right place at the right time.

Would you like to join me? I’d be happy to show you the way. Just ask!

The day in Estes Park ended with Mason and me at our favorite restaurant, off the main path and far away from the celebrations happening down town. We had the dining room to ourselves. It was peaceful. It was quiet. It was what we had in mind for the day.

But I must admit, we encountered something that we didn’t expect and we were not disappointed. It was a good day on the mountain.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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