You may have seen this bit of humor making its way around the Internet:

In my next life, I want to be a bear ...

If you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that, too.

If you're a bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs. I could deal with that in a big way.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them, too. I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup ... gonna be a bear!

I admit it sounds tempting — especially the part about being able to eat and sleep and growl! But, for those of us who are Christians, there's something even BETTER that lies ahead. What could possibly be better than bear?

How about a life where there's no more pain and no more heartache? A family reunion where you're surrounded by people who all have a heart for God and have God's heart for you? A place where you don't have to live in fear and suspicion? A place where all your needs are met? An eternity in the arms of your heavenly Father?

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" (Revelation 21:3-5 TNIV).

I don't know about you, but in my next life, I don't want to be a bear ... I want to be with God!