If Heaven Were A Place and Why I Stay Away

**He stands in an empty room**. It's quite and still, but his heart speaks to memories the he holds.

I couldn't stand in that room, so I stay away.

**There are moments when the pain of what is gone is too great. It sears your mind and heart like a flaming sword reaching to the depths of your soul**.

I choose to stay away. I don't need that today.

**I'd rather keep the memories as I know them**. Memories of what was good, true, and pristine.[](http://66.147.244.135/~brenday1/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mp900409578.jpg)

Of a place **completely safe and full of joy.**

The place is a house that was filled with **love, laughter, comfort and peace.**

But things change, **people pass from life to death,** and lives move on.

The house will change, too, as it should, with a new generation bringing joy and laughter to its walls.

The empty house I avoid reflects the emptiness I feel on days where I want **just one more moment as things were. Moments with [people who are no longer here.](https://brendayoder.com/2013/02/25/why-todays-a-not-so-big-deal/)**

So I remember the house [**filled with a love**](https://brendayoder.com/2013/02/27/what-i-learned-from-my-mother-in-law/) which was *a glimpse of the Father himself.*

[](http://66.147.244.135/~brenday1/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-7.jpg)A plate that hung on the wall in this home.

**A table where no one was turned away.**

**A back door that was always open.**

**A path worn of little footprints.**

For a time, **heaven on earth.**

**If heaven were a place, it'd be there with all the memories that made the house a home.**

That's where I'll keep it today -

**The home that was like heaven in my heart.**

[[youtube=http://youtu.be/KpIdRkfVtA8?t=6s]

](http://youtu.be/KpIdRkfVtA8?t=6s)

What moments do you have that are like "heaven on earth?" Or how have you walked through grief and losses in your life? We'd love to hear from you!