Two-thousand six is going down in my memory as an ideal year. The winter closed with a blustery blizzard, spring actually happened, the summer wasn't intolerably hot and fall has been magnificent this year.

In fact, a few of my co-workers and I were engaged in a little sidewalk philosophy the other day and pondered the question of whether or not there'll be seasons in heaven. It was a glorious fall day. Blue skies, colorful leaves of gold, russet and brown gently raining down in the barest of breezes and shirt-sleeve temperatures. Gorgeous. Even snow lovers and sun worshippers had to admit that it was as near to perfect a day as ever has been.

I proposed that perhaps, since different people love different seasons, that mayhap we'll be able to travel to from season to season once we're in heaven. After all, there is something in each season that endears. If we are hankering for a warm window looking out onto softly falling snow, for instance, then we'll head for winter heaven. If we are yearning for the translucent green of new shoots emerging from the ground, we make our reservation on the spring train.

If summer sunshine and sparkling water beckon us, we fly off into summer. And for repeats of that beautiful fall day last week, we'll simply set our coordinates for autumn.

After all, created in the image of God, we each possess an appreciation for beauty. That won't change in heaven, in fact, it will likely intensify. There'll be no darkness there to shadow or obscure the beauty. After all "... as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'"(I Corinthians 2:9)

Sidewalk philosophy is highly underrated. In those few moments apart from the ringing telephones and looming deadlines, two or three people can easily solve all the world's ills with a few well thought-out proposals, bandied about between friends.

OK, maybe solve the world's ills is a overstating it a bit, but each of us, returning from the moment of respite and reflection, is renewed to whatever task awaits. Sidewalk philosophy is, of course, the unintentional result of designating smokers as second-class citizens within the confines of a building, but once we're out on the sidewalk, anyone is welcome to join the spirited discussions. We've been known to create quite a diverse crowd at times, depending on the topic being discussed. Sidewalk philosophers do not discriminate.

These aren't your typical over-the-fence gossip sessions, nor is there time for the traditional coffee klatch etiquette, we pretty much get down to business without preamble. The weather is frequently our inspiration, but oftentimes it's just a chance to get caught up -- children, grandchildren, husbands, wives and what we're having for dinner. All that's missing is the water cooler.

But every once in a while we'll get into the things that really matter. Knowing time is of the essence we cut through the chaff easily, getting to the heart of the matter. Keep it simple, keep it short, keep it focused.

Sort of like the gospel message itself. When it came to getting down to brass tacks, Jesus set the standard. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Believe. Believe not only in God, for even the demons believe and tremble, but believe in the Son, for the Son was sent by the Father to do his will on earth.

In a recent discussion a fellow philosopher shared that many in her acquaintance were familiar with, and in fact were quite comfortable with, the concept of God.

But if the name of Jesus came up, those same people withdrew, exhibiting a visceral response to the name. This was a puzzle to us. We discovered that it wasn't an isolated incident.

In fact, I had encountered a similar reaction during a discussion with a member of my extended family, who stated that he had no problem whatsoever with God, but he just couldn't figure this Jesus guy out. In fact, he was of the opinion that Jesus wasn't all that likable, and that he had received too much hype. "What's the big deal?" he asked.

I did my best to explain to this young man who Jesus is, and recommended that he read Isaiah chapter 53 to gain some understanding of what it was he came to do. Whether or not he ever followed my advice I do not know.

It's an interesting observation. And one that brings to mind the strong reactions of many who encountered Jesus face to face (perhaps a more accurate statement would be spirit to spirit), crying out, "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" (Matthew 8:29)

Heavy stuff for sidewalk philosophers, I'll warrant. But it begs the question, what has happened to those demons that were so prevalent in Jesus' day? After all their appointed time has not yet come. My fellow philosophers and I are suspicious that they are alive and well, and busier than ever undermining the gospel message, deceiving and distracting those who would otherwise heed the call.

"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." John 20:31 (NIV)

Things you won't see in heaven: Hailstones