“Mommy, can I take my lovey (a.k.a. favored blanket) to heaven?”
Lately Lauren has had an abundance of questions about heaven. And it’s no wonder. We have had three funerals in the past two weeks. Two were elderly. One was the baby of my cousin and his wife, who was still born at 6 months gestation. So hard.
It’s difficult to explain to a three-year-old the tears, the sorrow, the pain. For us, the best was to say, “these loved ones went to Heaven to be with Jesus, but their families and friends are missing them. Sometimes we cry when we miss someone we love. The best part is that Jesus is holding them in His arms right now and they don’t have any more ouchies.”
With each of these who have passed away, Lauren has had many questions about Heaven.
“Will I fly to Heaven with wings?”
“If I take my stickers to Heaven how will I carry them?”
“Will I see angles in Heaven?” “Do they have wings?”
“When do we get to go to Heaven?”
“Is Heaven up in the clouds?”
With each question that arises, I try to answer her as simply as possible so that she can understand. I try to help her see the beauty in Heaven. But, honestly, I think she already intrinsically knew a bit of the beauty of God, her Creator. Her curiosity about all things Heaven, God and Jesus, speak for the human desire, even as little children, to know our Lord.
I pray that her desire to know more continues to grow and blossom. May she never lose her childlike faith. May she come to know the Lord as her Savior, so that she may fly, when it is her time, with wings to her Heavenly home
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15
For sure a precious posting. Sounds like you do a well job at parenting this little sweetheart. Must always focus them on Jesus. Blessings to you! Happy Thursday! ~Amy
ReplyDeleteMade me teary. Madi has not yet asked to many questions about it but, she does say her grandpa and my mom's dog are in Heaven with Jesus and that Jesus is everywhere!
ReplyDeleteWhat a poignant piece and how true! Let Daniel and Amanda know they are in our thoughts and prayers. Kim & Josh
ReplyDeleteYou have answered well, Jenn. Oh, those little eyes just melt my heart. She is a cutie.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful day showered with sunshiny blessings!!!
We have had so many of those questions. My hubby's first wife died of cancer and I adopted his 2 children. They were only 1 and 3 when she died. They had lots of questions once they got older. My 1st hubby committed suicide. My mom died when our youngest of 4 were 2 and 3. We are very honest with them about death. They visit the funeral home and the sick with us. They are a little older now, but with an understanding that those who believe and repent will live in eternity with God is a real belief for them. 3 of the 4 have dedicated themselves to Christ and been baptized at 5, 6, and 7 years of age. Often times we short change our children for wanting to protect them, but they take explanations well in short amounts and then come back to us with more questions when their little minds are ready.
ReplyDeleteThat is precious and hard at the same time. I posted recently about Caleb keeping life in perspective for me, by saying, all of the time, that he want's to go home. I don't know that he means Heaven. But when we talk about both of his grandpa's being in Heaven with Jesus... I'm waiting for these moments...to keep it simple and explain (more)about our REAL HOME.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that - childlike faith. Isn't it?
That is so sweet! I believe you are doing the right thing by keeping your answers simple and non-scary. I don't want my kids to be scared when anyone dies and we say they've gone to heaven to be with God.
ReplyDeleteand I love the pictures you took that you have on your earlier post. Great shots!!!
She is so precious. There's nothing quite like childlike faith. :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it the most wonderful privilege to be the one to answer these questions? I often times take being a mama for granted, but it is priceless, this honor of loving, nurturing and teaching these little ones.
ReplyDeleteYou are a good mama, Jenn!
So sweet... I found your blog through Kate's "Savvy Little Women". Your blog and family are beautiful! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteKate
Beautiful! Your children are blessed to have you as their mother, taking the time to answer her questions and to point her toward Christ. Well done. Take care and God bless.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! And what a great way to explain sorrow in the midst of celebrating a loved one who has gone Home! I haven't had to answer too many Heaven questions, but thanks for paving the way!
ReplyDeleteWow! great post. I find that whenever I answer my children's questions about faith, like you, I answer simply. And in that answer I find so much truth to chew on. Praying for you as you grieve. Weeping with those who mourn.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you are experiencing so much loss lately. You're daughter's comment touched me. At least when we talk about death with our kids it is an opportunity to talk about Jesus. I guess that is the positive thing about it.
ReplyDeleteHang in there. Praying for all of you who are grieving right now.
Yes. I pray that for Lauren, also.
ReplyDeleteDon't we all have questions about heaven? We can't really answer anything for sure. I love that kids express all of the things that we wonder about.