FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere… Psalm 84:10 (NIV)

With the recent death of my mom, our whole family is more attuned to eternity than ever before. Even the youngest…

I was running errands with two of my grandchildren when five-year-old Caroline followed up a remark from her brother with an observation. “Mimi,” she told me, “I saw the headstone of Momo’s baby [when we were at the cemetery].” I explained that Momo’s little sister had gone to heaven just after she was born. And then Caroline exclaimed, “She was so lucky to get to live with God from the time she was a baby.”

I am wondering if Caroline is more in touch with reality than many of her elders? We sing about heaven and talk about its beauty and perfection—no more tears or sorrow or dying, getting to be with Jesus forever. And then when the time actually comes for us or for one we love to make that journey, one would think utter catastrophe lies ahead. What a paradox.

I just read a wonderful little poem by Ruth Graham in which she wondered why Jesus wept when he arrived at Lazarus’ tomb. Was he joining the mourners? Was he sorry he was late? Graham concludes, “Or could it be because he had to bring him back?”

Father, thank you for the many ways you speak to us. Open our eyes and hearts to your eternal presence so that when it’s time for us to leave this world, we will go forth rejoicing, knowing that what we’ve experienced of you here is the tiniest foretaste of heaven’s bounty. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.