Finally the winter school holidays have arrived in NSW. A very full six months has left me tired. On the last day of term I decided to get around in jeans and joggers because I didn’t have the energy left to do anything else.

Of course, being the last day of term I just played movies all day. And because no one could decide, I watched the majority of Cars 2 twice across the day.

I was first introduced to Cars 2 last year at a similar time of term when it was suggested as a viewing option.

But didn’t they want to watch the first film instead, I’d asked. On no, they’d all told me. The second film is way better.

And having watched the movie multiple times now, I think my students are onto something. It’s worth a watch.

It got me thinking though, as to why I’d assumed the first movie would be better than the second. I guess it’s the case that the first movie is often better.

But is this true to life?

The first time round things often get messed up and we don’t know what we’re doing.

It’s on the subsequent times that we manage to refine and perhaps even perfect the way we are operating.

What about when it comes to Christianity? Surely God gets things right the first time, every time.

Yes, I believe he does.

But we don’t.

And that’s why, one day, this world will pass away and a new one arrive in its place.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.

That’s the sequel for this world we’re currently living in – and it’s amazing.

No tears, no death, no mourning.

And God is there. We will be with Him.

The sequel to this world is far beyond the world we’re living in now. Yet, in current society the ideas of heaven and hell are ridiculed, if mentioned even at all.

But this is no laughing matter. This is serious. There is a lot at stake.

It’s eternity either with God or away from Him. There isn’t anything that’s a bigger deal than this.

So instead of ridiculing these ideas, we need to start noting them and responding accordingly.

Because like your classic ‘Choose Your own Adventure’ book, the sequel storyline that you encounter isn’t just the same for everyone. God gives us a choice:

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life.But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

It’s eternity either with God or away from Him. There isn’t anything that’s a bigger deal than this.

We have to make a choice.

And I know, sometimes thinking about heaven and hell causes us anxiety. This is better than ridiculing it because it means we’re taking it seriously. But there are times when it is a bit much to think about and we need some time to process it all.

We have to make a choice someday but God knows our hearts.

So don’t forget to Choose Your own Adventure, knowing that there is a sequel available to you that is very much better than what you’re experiencing now.

But until that time, maybe watch Cars 2.

Because the sequel really is better.

Yours hanging out for the heavenly sequel,

Alison