I REALLY want to go to Heaven!

As any parent of an inquisitive child, you fully understand the wide array of questions asked each day. The never-ending barrage of, “What’s that?”, “How come?”, “Where is it?”, etc. cover a plethora of topics and various areas.

Recently, I found myself struggling how to share with my 4 year-old, the heart wrenching news that one of his idols; his grandpa Gray was no longer with us. Upon learning the news of this unexpected passing, I not only mourned for myself but for my children. I was at a loss of words.

I put off telling my son as long as possible. After discussing the situation with my wife, we felt it best to approach this situation by connecting this event with our son’s view of heaven; outer space.

When we called our son in the room, I literally couldn’t speak. Thankfully, Susan stepped in and stated that grandpa Gray was in outer space with his other grandpa and grandma. Tears streamed down his face as he yelled, “I want my grandpa”. Then, he looked up at me and asked, “Is he flying around in outer space?” We told him that grandpa’s worn out body was gone and replaced with a new one.

Over the past month, my wife and I look for ways to frequently talk about grandpa with our son. I will take him out on the porch at night and we will look up at the stars and discuss what his three grandparents might be doing up there.

Last week, following our family Bible study, Connor concluded praying and looked up at me and said, “Daddy, I REALLY want to go to Heaven”. I have no idea if he fully understood what he was saying but I have no doubt he was genuine in what he said.

I have spent much time thinking about his statement in regards to longing for Heaven. I have found myself examining my own walk and life to see if my actions and attitudes reflect that same sentiment.

• Do you think about heaven on a regular basis?
• What is the first thing you want to do when you get there?
• Who do you want to “interview” first on your mission to get all of your Bible questions answered?
• Do you value this earthly life or the eternal life to follow more?
• With whom do you need to share the gospel so they have the hope of eternal life?
• What motivates you most to live a life of righteousness for God?

Heaven is a real place prepared for every obedient child of God.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.  For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.  If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.  But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:13-16)

“For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.” (2 Corinthians 5:2)

God wants us to fill our mind and be ever motivated
with anticipation for Heaven.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

 “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8).

I echo the heartfelt words of my son, “I REALLY want to go to Heaven.” And I want you to go there too. We are each on a journey. If I can ever be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to let me know how I can serve you.