This morning I was reading Peter Rollins' book “The Orthodox Heretic”.  In it he writes a parable called “Mansions” in which some disciples and Jesus are sitting around a campfire talking about the future kingdom in heaven.  They talk about the mansions and streets of gold, and how amazing it is.  One by one they all drift off to sleep until there is but one disciple left awake with Jesus.

The disciple asks Jesus a question.  He admits that he doesn’t know much about mansions and in fact has never been in one or seen one.  He asks Jesus if there will be any room in heaven for a simpleton like himself.  Jesus then looked at the man with compassion and answered,

“Don’t worry, tucked away in a tiny corner of heaven, away from all the grand mansions and streets of gold, there is a cramped little stable.  It doesn’t look like much inside or out, but on a clear night you can see the stars shine bright amidst the cracks, and you can feel the warm breeze caress your skin.  In this kingdom, that is where I live, and you would be welcome to live there with me.”

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