What and where is paradise?

What and where is paradise?

Is it merely a feeling, like the fleeting thrill in Meat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” or something that transcends touch, smell, hearing, and sight, perhaps even divine?

Religiously, paradise may be an intermediate state where the righteous await resurrection or final judgment. Indeed, we all face judgment for past actions: blessed charity or wrongdoing. Paradise may be what we have heard called Heaven: a place where God resides, a wonderful place beyond description.

Paradise can also be a place, a state of bliss or delight. Consider this: two people share profound intimacy and, afterward, feel transported (total paradise) a state of mind offering peacefulness, and physical, mental, even spiritual release from the world’s oppressive laws. Or imagine a deceased person united with their worshiped Divinity. One of my nieces, who attends church regularly, said, “Paradise is a place where we all can be together, in peace, tranquility, and fellowship.” It sounds canned, but this young woman is exceptionally bright. To be with God. Hmm. Clouds, happiness, and companionship forever. Not bad.

So, what does paradise mean to you? A fabulous vacation in Barbados? Receiving a perfect diamond ring as you say your vows? Watching the Blue Jays clinch a championship? Paradise can be as simple as a walk in the park, surrounded by silence except for wild birdsong and wind passing through the treetops. Paradise can be whatever you want it to be, folks. It can be a feeling (an emotion gone supernova) meeting a long-lost friend who welcomes you with a smile and embrace. Paradise can be a perfect poker game where you always win, then share your winnings with someone in need.

I hope there is a paradise once I skip this popsicle stand called life, but I just don’t know. My friends in the Franciscan T.O.R. tell me to believe in God’s grace and promises. Will there be something wonderful waiting for us all? Perhaps paradise is a promise fulfilled, so long as you keep your promises to others. Be a faithful spouse, a loving parent, a good friend, and a courageous neighbour. The adage makes sense after all: you get what you give. You get what you need.