Someone asked me today....

...What is hell?

I responded with humor, "a Kansas City Chief Fan."

They laughed then said, "..no really? How would you define hell? Some say its a burning pit of fire, being eaten by maggots and tortured beyond belief. What about you?"

"Well," I started, "assuming you believe in God, I think hell would be painted like this:

You stand by a man, a dominating figure who tells you, the only rule I have is for you to never venture outside these lines. The figure then draws four lines to form a box and puts you in it. You do your work, satisfactory, but in the back of your mind, you want to know, whats on the other side of that line? What is sooo special about it, that I can't go there? Am I not special enough? and before you know it.... *poof* you touched outside the box.

Nothing happened.

Hrrmmm... ok.. so you step outside the box. You leave your foot there for one full minute.

Nothing happened.

A cop comes by and sees you in your box, and asks you, Hey... did you step outside the box?

Nope.

You sure? Because if you confess now, I can clear your name, and you will be able to live life like it didn't happen. You will remember it, but you file will be cleared.

Nope, I am fine, officer.

Ok, good luck with your box. He smiles then leaves.

You get a message later that the boss wants to see you, and you should go immediately. *BAM* the box disappears, and an arrow lights up a tunnel for you to enter.

Hello there, Boss, you wanted to see me?

Yes.

It's good to see you, Boss, nice hair cut.

Thank you, I have a question for you. Here is a video of your life, now, before we view it, is there anything you want to say?

No.

Ok.... *views tape - winces at the point of the venture outside the box* .. you left the box.

But, I fell! It wasn't my fault? It's such a small box....

I'm sorry, the rules are the rules...

What about mercy? Can't you get me out of this? PLEASE??

Do you remember the officer?

Yeah, so?... oh wait...

*Long Pause*

I gave you your chance, but I still love you. I am going to give you the choice to stay here, in this room. You will always see me, and think of me, and if you ever want to talk to me, you can just push a button, and I will talk with you. Know that I will be able to see you as well, and think of you all the time, but to talk, you will have to initiate the conversation. It's the best I can do. I love you son.

Then you enter the room, and for eternity, you watch as those who didn't venture outside the box, or plead their case with the officer, and touching, talking openly, working and playing with the Boss. You talk to him sometimes, but you feel guilty for taking him away from the others, and you spend the rest of the time, watching. Crying. "

Co-worker looked like they totally didn't understand, so I broke it down.

"In a way," I said, "It is like you said '..a burning pit of fire, being eaten by maggots and tortured beyond belief'. The torture of seeing God, all the time, unable to go up and give him a hug. The guilt of all you done, eating away at you, and the burning of embarrasment everytime he talks to you."

"Oh... I think I like the other fire's better... " then walked away.