On the way back from the supermarket, we passed by a cemetry. A few weeks ago, J asked me what it is. I tried to explain that that is a place we bury people who passed away.
Today, on the way back from the supermarket, we passed by the cemetry again. J asked again the same question. This time, he asked where do people go when they die.
I struggled to explain this in as simple a way as a little child could understand... actually thinking to myself whether I do fully understand the concept. Then a thought came to my mind that I should do my best to make full use of this opportunity (thought feeling as inadequate as I could be) to explain to him Jesus and eternal life. So I told him that for those who believe in Jesus, when they die, they will go to heaven and receive eternal life.
J asked then what? I said, that they will be with God forever.
J asked where heaven is? I said, up there.
J asked will there be food to eat? Oh yes, my son... a true blue Singaporean at 3.5 years old, and have never really lived in Singapore, knows that the favourite pass time of Singaporean is food, glorious food! It must be in the blood :-)
I have to say that I don't know whether there will be delicious food in heaven.
I couldn't quite remember what he said next, but he said that he wouldn't want to go to heaven, if there is no food to eat!!!
On the way back... I thought how like me he is... I remembered that at a very young age I pondered upon the meaning of life. I pondered about death.
I think that was why I accepted Christ into my life at the age of 12 years old.
It is hard to be a parent... so many complex questions that we have to explain and make simple for a young child. But in such matter of life - and death, we have the assurance that our God will work in the heart of our young ones and bring them to the right path.
I am glad that J asked this question. There are many who at an old age does not even ponder such a question, which I think is sad.
This walk today, I held it close in my heart. May God answer J and give him a heart understanding of the real meaning of life - and death.
I leave you this verse from the Bible, so simple, yet so profound, and I pray too that you will get answer to the meaning of life:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
No comments:
Post a Comment