The rest of the story……Or, Does God Sound Like Paul Harvey?
“Lower your expectations of earth. This isn’t heaven, so don’t expect it to be.”
~ Max Lucado ~
I listen “Paul Harvey’s: The Rest of The Story” radio program, whenever I can. (it’s even available on streaming audio at the website now!) In this daily radio show, Paul Harvey takes a slice of life- history or culture and gives the background on them, that you seldom hear. The “hows and whys”, the “when’s and where’s”… all the things that make the difference between “knowing” about something and understanding it. Paul Harvey- is an American Classic and a story teller of story-tellers. I wonder if he’d adopt me? I bet he told wonderful “goodnight stories” to his children! (If not- that’s one story I DON’T want to hear the rest of … leave me in my happy denial… actually, give me a crown and call me the queen… I am, the queen of de’ nile!)
Many of the most interesting stories start out sad, full of tragedy, pain and suffering. You almost don’t want to continue listening, in case it ends badly. But-over the years, I’ve come to trust the outcome to Paul Harvey’s storytelling. I know to keep listening- it’s about to get better. Paul Harvey never leaves you with a bad ending.
If Paul Harvey told the story of my life- (and chances are, it’s true of your’s too) he’d have plenty of days where it looked like the story would end badly. We all have them… sometimes, years full of them. Like Max Lucados quote- “this isn’t heaven, don’t expect it to be” Life hurts. People hurt. Disappointments, struggles, sickness, sin.
Nope- this is most definitely NOT heaven. But, there is a heaven. A story yet to be told.
I wonder if God’s voice will sound a bit like Paul Harvey’s when we get to heaven. I wonder if He’ll greet us with warm, loving arms and a fathers lap to sit on, while He tells us..”The Rest of the Story.” The “How’s and why’s” of the things that happen on this earth, the “when’s and where’s” of His intervening actions. I wonder if He’ll tell us the details of exactly HOW:
“All things work together for good, for those that love God and are called according to His purpose” Roman’s 8:28
Not just the theory- or promise of it- but the details of how it really did. Or maybe- when we get to heaven- the questions that are raised here, no longer need answers. Maybe, when we are in heaven- and are fully in His presense…the “hows and whys, whens and wheres” are revealed to us- like a bride who’s veil is pulled back before her groom, allowing him to see her face, beautiful with joy. He didn’t marry a veiled monster- but a beautiful woman.
“For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Cor 13:9-13
I agree with Max- This isn’t heaven, so don’t expect it to be…. but I also know that someday-in heaven, we’ll hear “The Rest of the Story!”
For more takes on todays “CWO In Other Words Quote” visit Iris- at “Sting My Heart”
Bless you, I really enjoyed this post.
Great post. I like Paul Harvey too. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the story! Kudos Tracey.
I recently moved my blog and lost a lot of comments. Hope you get a chance to browse and comment on a few entries (if you have time) I’d appreciate it.
Thanks,
Robin
More and more I’m looking forward to seeing Him face to face and hearing “the rest of the stroy”. Blessings on you!
Queen O’ De Nial,
I like that you said maybe when we get to heaven the questions we raise will no longer need answers. Good point. Will be care? Probably not, the only thing that will matter is God.
What great thoughts! My dad used to work for Paul Harvey too, so it was neat to read your thoughts of him. 🙂
I think too of the stories of Bible characters and the “rest of their story” and what it will be like. I’d like to hear what Jonah has to say about his stay in the whale, huh? How about Mary and more thoughts of Jesus. The rest of the story – and it’s certainly not here!
Blessings ~ Loni
Tracey,
…. I wonder if He’ll greet us with warm, loving arms and a fathers lap to sit on, while He tells us..â€The Rest of the Story.†…
Amen… I see it happening just like this. Great post!!
I listen to Paul Harvey also. I loved your post and perspective. Thanks for sharing and may the Lord Bless you this week and always.
In his endless love,
Angel ( Angel Mama Pearls of Wisdom)
I like Paul Harvey too!
Your thoughts remind me of a quote I read in shepherding a child’s heart. I haven’t memorized… so a paraphrase of what I hope reflect the author’s feelings.
The story of our life doesn’t define who we are… if it did, how would or could you explain Joseph? Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely imprisoned… but he had a relationship with the living God.
Joseph’s focus remained on heaven…
I haven’t heard Paul Harvey in years . . . I had forgotten all about him. My uncles used to listen every day at noon. When we would visit in the summer, everything stopped when he came on the radio. Wow. Thanks for the “blast from the past.”
What a beautiful reflection on this week’s IOW quote, Tracey. Yes, one day will ‘hear the rest of the story’ and I am sure looking forward to it.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts this week…
Be blessed today and always.
I like Paul Harvey too! I didn’t participate yesterday and I should have if only to have it drummed into my head that this is not heaven so don’t expect it to be. My focus was off the big picture yesterday and it was ugly.
Great post, Tracey. Thanks for sharing!
I like your post very much. Though I do not know Paul Harvey, I think the story teller who like to use nice ending to end his stroies should be a
optimistic person.
I believe if we continuce on the way with the Lord, we all will have a happy&belessed ending with the Lord and angels and family members in Paradise…one day