I had a good conversation with my 7-year-old son, Aaron (below) just a few minutes ago. Katie went to dinner with a group of ladies this evening, and that has allowed me to spend a couple hours of "father-son bonding time" with Aaron. Since school begins next Monday, it's bed-time at 8:45 p.m. For those who don't know our bed-time routine for Aaron, it consists of me sitting down beside his bed with my guitar and him shouting out song requests. I've done everything from my own guitar version of the Spongebob Squarepants theme to the newer sound of Somewhere Over the Rainbow made famous again in recent years. Anyways, right after I took the guitar off my lap and leaned it on the end of Aaron's bed, we had this good conversation. I call it a good conversation because if you've ever had a serious conversation with a 7-year-old, you are very lucky. This was one of them.
I had leaned the guitar on the bed when Aaron sat up and looked at me with curiosity on his face. He said, "Daddy, do you think that Gracie's done with the job that Jesus wanted her to do so she could come home now?" I played with his hair a minute before responding, hesitating long enough for him to say, "do you?" Although he knows, I explained to him that we won't see Gracie again on this Earth. But, she will be waiting in Heaven for us to arrive, and we will see her There. He then leaned back and put his head on the pillow, responding, "couldn't someone else have done the job?" Again, a hesitation, and I told him the only thing I could think of at the moment. I said, "Jesus chose her." He looked at me with big eyes and just said, "oh, all right." After a few moments of silence, I leaned over to kiss his forehead and tell him good-night. We told each other "I love you", and I turned off the light. Walking out of the bedroom, Aaron said, "daddy?" I turned around, and he said, "what will Jesus choose for me to do?" I smiled and said, "you'll know." He looked at me with curiosity again, smiled, and laid back down.
I hope you have had good conversations today. I think it's those conversations, especially with children, that keep us truly engaged in what the Lord is trying to convey to us; His children. I wish I could have the same sweet innocence as my son, but 39 years of life has thrown its curveballs my way. I just thank the Lord every day for His plan and direction for my life. If I had to make the choice, if I ran my life, I would be in a mess. I don't know how some people do it. I pray for them to realize how difficult and impossible it is to do that.
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2 comments:
What precious questions from Aaron. And, what wise answers from his daddy! These are the moments that we live for, moments of eternal truths.
Today 2 little boys spent the day with us. Their grandfather, who has lived with them for 3.5 years, passed away 2 weeks ago. My son's first question upon hearing the news was, "Did he know Jesus?" When I confirmed that he did, he said, "Oh good! So we can be sad, but not sad forever." I was pleased that he understood, but reminded him that his 2 friends might be sad for quite awhile.
Well, when the younger of the two boys was talking about his grandpa he told us, "I really wanted him to be here for my birthday (which is this weekend), but I know he is happy 'cause he is in Heaven with my grandma, and their son that died a long time ago." I told him I was glad he thought of that and he answered, "I bet they're having a good time with God!" As you say, such sweet innocence.
Thank you for the sharing your conversation that you had with Aaron. My sweet baby Grace finished her job here on earth almost 20 years ago...she was only 7 months old. God used her so much during that 7 months and since then too.
I'm like Aaron..."what will my job be"
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