Lessons from Preschool
“Ms. Sam, I don’t want to go to Heaven,” a sweet, innocent, and yet concerned voice of a four year old said.
I had just finished a Bible story that ended with the gospel gem reminder that because Jesus died on the cross to take away our sins, we can go to Heaven. Almost everyday, we connect that to the truth and this little one must have really been thinking about it deeply.
After letting the other children from the group transition to the next activity, I asked the small girl, “Why don’t you want to go to Heaven?”
I could tell that she was thinking hard with her squinting eyes and puzzled look, “I know you say that Heaven is a happy place, but I don’t want to go there.”
The conversation was not something I had expected that day, “Heaven is the best place in the world. Better than we can imagine! Why wouldn’t you want to go there?”
“I’m scared to go to Heaven. What if my mom isn’t there? What if it is too hot?” Her concern was evident in her voice.
The poor girl had a point. The unknown of what Heaven actually is was overshadowing the promises that God provides us. Still, I was in a hard spot. How could I explain this to her? How could I pass on the comfort and joy of something that has very little description?
Thankfully, God gave me the words to say, “I know it is scary to do things that we have never done before. But,” Well that was as far as I could think.
I had been in her shoes before, doubting Jesus’ promises. Haven’t we all been there? Haven’t we all second guessed something he said or doubted a promise that he gave?
I looked at the worried face, “Do you think Jesus would ever promise to take you somewhere bad?”
She shook her head as the wheels in her mind turned.
“Jesus loves you so much, so I am sure, no I know that Jesus will make Heaven a place that has all the things that you love. Even though he doesn’t tell us what exactly is in Heaven, we know that there isn’t any sadness, only being happy and excited.” I mustered all the encouragement I could.
She was still thinking, but her face seemed to relax.
I smiled at her. Despite any uncertainties that I faced in my life, I still knew that Heaven was immeasurably better than the things here on this earth. “You know, I really want to go to Heaven and I hope I can see you there too.”
In the moment, the Holy Spirit worked in her heart and that was all the reassurance that she needed.
“‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.’
Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’
Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.’”
Heaven is our end goal and the prize at the end of our earthly fight, but how often do I get bogged down with the stress and hardships of life and forget that promise at the end of the road. Just like my student, I too , need reassurances from my Savior. As I dive into his Word, I can see that Heaven is a place where joy overflows and peace that never ends. Isn’t that what I crave here on earth?
My sisters, look to Heaven on your darkest days.
Remember the promise and more importantly who made the promise.
Look forward to the gift and trust in his promises.
“‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”