“Mom, do you want to see me in Heaven?”
The sincere question of my five year old momentarily stopped my beating heart.
Think quickly, Melissa. This is a ministry moment you don’t want to mess up.
“Of course, I want to see you in heaven someday. And, since you love Jesus and I love Jesus I will get to. But, I praise God everyday that I get to be your mom and hope that we have a lot of time together on earth before that happens.”
The truth of the matter is this: I have a mother’s heart. I look at my children and want to hold on to them forever. I want them to be innocent, safe, and protected. I never want to say good-bye.
But that is not the way we were created. From dust we were made and to dust we shall return.
So, my goal is that to keep faith-filled discussion a natural part of our day so that the love of Jesus is FIRST in their life. I want my girls to be inspired by the Word. And, even more importantly, I want them to know Him because that relationship will impact their daily living and through that relationship we are FOREVER bound.
This Easter season provides the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate this.
“Do you know what makes Easter especially cool?,” I continued in the midst of my “teachable moment.”
“What?” she asked.
“When Christ died for our sins, they found the grave empty because God’s love and power is bigger than anything on earth, even death. So, Christ rose to heaven and all who love Him share that special place.”
With Grace’s question I’m reminded that in Easter comes great joy and great responsibility. Finding special dresses for the special day, singing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today,” and sharing in family gatherings are part of the reverent elation celebrating the empty tomb.
But, it doesn’t end there.
I look at my two girls and realize all that He has entrusted to me and all the faith values I am called to share with them. Yes, the tomb is empty and we rejoice. Now, as moms, we must work each day to help our girls understand WHY this matters. We must strengthen the foundation of their faith life and daily inspire a deepened love for Him. In doing so, personal faith will spring forth ensuring the shared eternal life this Easter holiday promises.
And that makes my heart dance.
2 Comments
Love this:
“Yes, the tomb is empty and we rejoice. Now, as moms, we must work each day to help our girls understand WHY this matters.”
Amen and Happy Easter! Praying for you and that sweet baby coming soon!
Thank you! What a great post! Love it!
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