Heavenly Promenade

By Hally Franz –

My dress was a gunny sack – literally. Handmade by my professional seamstress aunt, the dress I wore to senior prom was a “Gunne Sax” pattern. Those dresses were extremely popular in the 1980’s. With a sweetheart neckline and lacy sleeves, my original was lovely and feminine. But, have you seen the prom dresses of thirty years later? Whoazah!

When I worked in education, one of the supervision “opportunities” for faculty was the spring prom. While that made for a longer evening than other dances, it was by far the most entertaining. I loved watching the girls enter with gorgeous gowns and their cleaned-up dates.

Prom season came and went a couple months ago, and it was again fun to see groups dining at restaurants and taking photos in local parks. I more than once asked glammed-up girls to do a little spin so I could check out their evening’s selections. Outside my wedding dress, I’ve never had dresses as fancy as those worn today. Fortunately, the young ladies are usually pleased to oblige this old lady, and I smile at their youth.

Now, in some local high schools, they do what is known as “promenade.” In my home district, the school is too large to accommodate such an event. But, wouldn’t that be fun? All the prom guests take a leisurely stroll through the gym or venue so they can publicly display their fancied-up selves for parents and school personnel. Let’s face it; today’s kids rarely dress up. I may have to crash that party next year for some Saturday night amusement.

Having said all this, do you imagine there is a promenade in heaven? A time for new guests to mosey through for introductions and greetings? We will have new, young bodies, right? And, surely our garments will be the finest if we are to present ourselves to the Almighty. Since time is unlimited, vast numbers should not be an issue.

That’s a thought that excites me. While we don’t really know what awaits us, I am confident it will be grand.

Here’s the part where the minister offers an invitation. I’m not a minister, but I encourage you to consider or share this. Have you made the choice to follow the gospel and become a believing, baptized and saved member of the body of Christ?

There’s something waiting you don’t want to miss.

PRAYER: Gracious and Glorious Father, please protect our young people as they participate in all the modern-day activities that accompany youth, and please help us all prepare and make ready for an eternal stroll in your courts.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1 NIV).