I was driving my husband’s Mini today, and from the back seat I suddenly heard those words when I hit a bump- nearly jumped out of my skin. Realizing that Clara had left Buzz Lightyear to go along for the ride, I relaxed and laughed every time I hit a bump and sometimes when I hit several in a row, Buzz quipped multiple phrases.
As I was driving along, this phrase in particular began to take hold.
“To infinity and beyond!”… what does this mean?
According to the dictionary, infinity means:
1. the quality or state of being infinite.
2. something that is infinite.
3. infinite space, time, or quantity.
4. an infinite extent, amount, or number.
5. an indefinitely great amount or number.
6. Mathematics.
a. the assumed limit of a sequence, series, etc., that increases without bound.
b. infinite distance or an infinitely distant part of space.
7. Photography
a. a distance between a subject and the camera so great that rays of light reflected from the subject may be regarded as parallel.
b. a distance setting of the camera lens beyond which everything is in focus.
So, is it time, distance, place, quantity?
To most of us, infinity would land us just beyond Jupiter because we can’t imagine being much farther in distance. And, time would land us just after our last breath. Place? Where would that be? Quantity? How much is too much?
To me, being as I’m a believer (no, not the Monkees’ song! stop! stop! stop! don’t go there!), I live every day in infinity of time, distance, place and quantity. I live in infinity!
Personally, I like the definition of infinite, infinitely better- hmm….
1. immeasurably great: an infinite capacity for forgiveness.
2. indefinitely or exceedingly great: infinite sums of money.
3. unlimited or unmeasurable in extent of space, duration of time, etc.: the infinite nature of outer space.
4. unbounded or unlimited; boundless; endless: God’s infinite mercy. (yes, the dictionary actually said this)
Limitless, unbounded, unmeasurable, indefinitely, and- wait for it….
ENDLESS.
We know that our spirit lives forever, we know that we will get to Heaven and never leave, and we know that we will be by His side forever and that nothing can separate us. That just about covers it, don’t you think?
Psalm 23:6:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Food for thought: Life in this bone house has a finite moving day. We will move someday to an infinite home with no more moves. A permanent, forever, endless, address. Definitely to infinity and beyond!