Life & Hereafter: One shot to get it right; or, if at first you don't succeed?

So i noted the question of reincarnation has come up a few times. But i hope there’s enough of a twist here to make for interesting comments.

First, proper consideration of this question almost requires you believe that there is a spiritual objective to life, not necessarily in the judeo-christian tradition, but that a Creator put the universe in motion for a reason and you are a part of the Creator’s grand scheme.

So this question presumes the Universe has a purpose, not asks if there is a purpose to the Universe, ok?

Recently, my mother asked me point blank, “Do you believe that you have only one chance to live your life well enough to get to heaven, or is that too much to expect of us? Would God make it that difficult for us to pass the test? Or, do think that you get more than one chance?”

My mother has always been a Christian woman and espoused tradional Christian views – heaven, hell, Judgement Day, and so on. Reincarnation is not a traditional Christian belief (Mormons, no offense, but i don’t include you among traditional Christian religions).

So her question took me by surprise. She’s getting up there in years and i’m sure has been considering her mortality – it was kind of touching.

Fortunately I have considered the question many times and i must say that i lean towards the you live and learn to live again view.

Now this isn’t necessarily a question about Christian beliefs, but more essentially a question that presumes a purpose in life and an ultimate spiritual goal, but wonder about the process of accomplishing that goal.

Considering primarily the paragraph immediately above, what are your thoughts?