The Kraft/Heinz Company has declared the Monday after Super Bowl Sunday (this Sunday) an official holiday for their employees, deciding it’s not worth the time and effort to stay open for business on the worst “call in sick” day of their calendar year.

“Smunday”, as they call it, reportedly has by far the most no-shows and sick calls for all businesses across the nation for any workday of the year.

Kraft/Heinz has even started an online petition for Congress to declare “Smunday” an official national holiday. I’m personally advocating for my “day job” employer (whom shall remain anonymous) to follow the Kraft/Heinz example.

Extending the “celebrations” of Super Bowl Sunday to “Smunday” got me to thinking about eternity (which just happens to be the focus of the message and worship this Sunday at our church — before the Super Bowl).

In a way, the celebrations in heaven that extend throughout eternity are like an eternal “Smunday.” The outcome of the “Game of Life” has already been settled (Jesus’ team wins).

The scene around the throne of the lamb with the four living creatures, 24 elders, thousands of angels and countless white-robed believers — puts to shame any Super Bowl half-time show in history. And no tail-gate party or food at any house party begins to compare with the eternal feasting at the wedding supper of the lamb.

But probably the most direct analogy is what “Smunday’s” primary cause is, and that is an extension of freedom from work. In Revelation 14:13, speaking of those who die in the Lord, the Spirit says, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Thus, we often think of heaven as an eternal rest from the work and toil of this life.

These and other eternal analogies of “Smunday” can be found in the Book of Revelation. It might even be appropriately referred to as the “Book of Smunday” (please don’t condemn me as a heretic).

Rather, I encourage you to read it (along with the rest of the Bible), and see what other reasons there are for celebrating an eternal “Smunday.”

And then make sure that you’ll be a part of that eternal celebration, by putting your total faith and trust in the one who makes it possible — Jesus, the victorious lamb upon the throne.

P.S.: And be sure to sign that petition.

Pastor Jon L. Pomeroy can be reached at Sandpoint Church of God, 221 S. Division Ave., Sandpoint; by calling 208-263-6629; or by email at info@sandpointchurchofGod.org.