Every once in a while I perform a funeral service. A funeral usually includes three segments: a time to reminisce, a time to release and a time for resolution.

My custom is to talk about heaven as I transition from the release segment to the resolution phase. People are tender at funeral so my intent is to challenge them to seriously think about what is ahead.

Heaven is far different from what we have known here on Earth. Everything flourishes in heaven; everything is whole there, and everything is filled with delight. Nothing can be added to what is there except you.

I live in the city where I often hear sirens. There are no sirens in heaven. No emergencies. No fears. No need to rush. Life cannot be lost in heaven. No wounds, no accidents, nothing unexpected. There is no anger, stress or anxiety there. There are no crutches, wheel chairs, canes, braces, hospitals, operations, medicine, nor patient care there. No one gets old in heaven. There is no pain. You never hurt or feel out of sorts. You are never upset. You never get tired.

Peace and joy span time eternal. Everything is perfect. Perfect forever, since time is no more. God has wiped away every tear. Joy abounds, for God's presence is joy unspeakable.

It's a place where the first can be last, and not mind. Jealousy does not exist there. No competition, no winners, no losers. We will rejoice in the success of others. No copyrights, rights of any kind, or ownership of anything. Pride will not exist. Gratitude will abound.

In short, heaven is totally other than what we know or can imagine. I, like you, have had some great moments, times when total delight ruled for an hour, a day, a week or even longer. But even with those moments, there was always the chance that something could happen to ruin the great joy. There was always that exposure to humanity and our shortcomings.

There are no shortcomings in heaven. No surprises. No time or chance. Instead there is an ever unfolding of wonder layered on wonder that contains and restrains each and every soul in never ending awe. We will ever stand in awe of God and the splendor of His holiness.

Scripture tells us that we shall be so overwhelmed with what God has prepared for us who are called by his name, that we will stop all to call God holy, holy, holy. We will fall on our faces as we cry those words, sealed with the beauty of his holiness, proclaiming to ourselves and to all that only He is worthy, worthy of all honor, glory and praise.

And most amazing is that anyone can go there.

Remember you are your doorkeeper to heaven. Think about that. You do not want to miss what God has planned for you in heaven and on this Earth as well.

H. Murray Hohns of Makiki is an associate pastor at New Hope Christian Fellowship. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes written works by leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.