“But as it is written, What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived — God has prepared these things for those who love him.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

I don’t like having dental work done. (Does anyone?) So when I’m there, I close my eyes and try to “go to my happy place.”

The problem is that any place I have actually visited, no matter how wonderful, has some downsides.

My most commonly used happy place was a beach we used to visit on the island of Roatán in Honduras. It was very secluded, had sunset views, soft sand, and the constant sound of the surf hitting the reef. There was plenty of warm sun but also palm trees for shade and a breeze off the ocean. Iguanas and monkey lalas (basilisk lizards) would entertain us at the edge of the jungle. And we could watch the dive boats and fishing boats pass by. Ahhh. But if I dwell too long on that memory, I recall the tiny biting sand flies, the fire ants, and the mosquitoes carrying malaria and dengue fever. Poof! There goes my happy place reverie.

Another happy place I frequent is at the top of a tree I used to climb as a child. The small tree had a nice view and swayed gently in the breeze. It was my secret. I felt safe and somehow removed from my problems up there. But the tree kept growing, and it became harder and harder to climb as the lowest limbs rose out of reach. And one day, a key branch broke as I was standing on it. I didn’t fall, but it gave me a scare. Poof! There goes another happy place reverie.

If I rely on my imagination instead of my memories to source my happy place material, I might have better luck. I could imagine a beach with sun and surf but without annoying pests. Or a tree with strong, perfectly placed branches.

Today’s verse says that no matter what wonderful things I have experienced or what marvelous, untainted locations I can dream up, the place that God is preparing for me is better. I can imagine some pretty awesome situations so that’s saying something. God can do better than my best, and He’s getting it ready for me and everyone who loves Him to enjoy for eternity.

Dear God,

I am so thankful for the beautiful places and moments I’ve seen and experienced in this world. I’ve been very blessed with some real marvels. It’s amazing to me that you promise more than can be found anywhere in this world. Something so wonderful that I can’t even imagine it in my wildest dreams. I can’t wait to be there with you.