How Far Is Heaven?

Sitting in a hotel recently, I was reading and listening to music.  A favorite group, Los Lonely Boys, came up in the queue. The song “Heaven” came on.

I have heard the song many, many times – too many times to count.  But, for the first time I heard it. I mean really heard it.  Check out the video. If you like some Latin/blues, then you will like the music.  I love the rhythm and sound. 

Los Lonely Boys - HEAVEN video

But the sound is not actually the best part. Give the words a listen, too.

Save me from this prison
Lord, help me get away
Cause only you can save me now
From this misery
I've been lost in my own place
And I'm gettin' weary
How far is heaven?
And I know that I need to change
My ways of livin'
How far is heaven?
Lord, can you tell me?
I've been locked up way too long
In this crazy world 
How far is heaven?
And I just keep on prayin', Lord
Just keep on livin' 
How far is heaven?
Yeah, Lord, can you tell me? \

How far is heaven?
Cause I just got to know how far, yeah 
How far is heaven?
Yeah, Lord, can you tell me?
Tu que estas en alto cielo
Echame tu bendiciòn

[translated from Spanish -
You that's in a higher place
Send me down a blessing]
Cause I know there's a better place
Than this place I'm livin' 
How far is heaven?
And I just got to have some faith
And just keep on givin' 
How far is heaven?
Yeah, Lord, can you tell me? 
How far is heaven?

Weary is a great word.  I don’t use it enough.  Maybe I am not physically weary, so the word hasn’t become a regular part of my vocabulary.  Maybe the real problem is I’m not spiritually weary, either.

I should be singing the old spiritual, “Lord, I keep so busy workin’ for the kingdom, keep so busy workin’ for the kingdom, keep so busy workin’ for the kingdom, Ain’t time to die.”  Oh, I am busy, alright! But – am I really workin’ for the kingdom? Praisin’ my Jesus? Servin’ my master? Helpin’ the sick? Feedin’ the poor? Can I really say that I am givin’ my all?  Am I weary?

Lord, use me.  Give me the heart of a servant. Give me the courage of a soldier. Give me the calloused hands of a worker. Make me weary. Wear me out. Get me ready for my reward.

Wear me out, getting me ready for my reward.

I want to be able to really sing, ”How far is heaven? Lord, can you tell me?”

I know it is there.  And, I know it is better than here!! I just want to know how far. I just want to know how long I have to wait.  How long do I have to keep laboring here?