While having our good night ritual one night, she said, "Mom what's heaven?" Now, I've taught kids in church for many years and have seen many accept Christ, so I have several pat answers to that one. I give her one of my standards. She then says, "I believe in Jesus. So, if I went and played in the road and got hit by a car, I'd die and go to heaven?" Cautiously, I replied, "Yes." Then she floored me and said, "Well, I want to do that!"
Mmmm, wait a minute, not the response I anticipated! Having to think quick on my feet, I then explained that God has a plan for her life, and no one should end an earthly life, but God. I also shared that she should keep herself safe so that she can do all that God has planned for her. I explained to her how heartbroken we would be without her, to which she replied, "Why? You'd know I was in heaven?" Very true, indeed, I acknowledged. But, I told her how much we would miss her. Whew! Finally she accepted that and we went on with our nightly prayers and singing.
I mulled over our conversation for quite some time. Then I remember the verse:
Matthew 18:3~
"And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
I'm not sure if I told her the correct things or not. What she said was admirable in some respects, but no parent can allow their child to do something that would hurt themselves, can they? I do believe that God does desire us to believe and want heaven. At times I get so caught up in the trappings of this world, I have a hard time wanting to leave it. I need to remember that being present with the Lord is more wonderful than anything here on this world. It seems that Abbey has already figured that out!
When my two-year-old son Bo died, Liza was four and said, "Why did Bo get to go to Heaven and I didn't?" I told her something very similar to what you told Abbey, "God has a job for you to do here. Bo's job was finished and he got to go to Heaven." To which she replied, "I guess I'll just keep working till Jesus comes for me." And almost forty years later she's still doing that.
ReplyDeleteI think Abbey's attitude is heaven-focused and that's a good thing. But I also liked your response of how we all have a plan God wants us to fulfill here on earth first! Just wish we had that crystal ball so we'd know when to 'expect' it. :)
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