For our MOPS group, our Publicity Coordinator (Rebecca, last year’s publicity coordinator, did an incredible & wonderful job) published a monthly newsletter our group calls “The MOPTIMIST”! This past year, she asked me to do an “Ask the Mentor Column” to answer Mom’s questions. Recently, several Moms have suggested that I post the questions and answers on this website — so here is one Q & A.
Q. My kids REALLY want to know EXACTLY where Heaven is. In the past, I have given a quick explanation that leads them to think it is in the clouds/sky (for lack of a better answer). My son (31/2) keeps saying he wants to go to heaven now — not wait till he gets old. So I’m having to explain to him that once you go, you can’t come back. They’re too little to grasp the finality of things. Basically, I don’t think they understand the line between life and death and they think I can just drive by one day and show them where Heaven is – even if they can’t go there yet. So, any answer on WHERE Heaven is?
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A. Where is Heaven — oh what a good question. It is exactly where God desires it to be. Your children (just like you) will have to trust God to take care of all of the details of heaven until He calls them to live there. Just like they get invitations to parties, God is inviting them right now to Heaven — all they have to do is to ask Him into their heart. Then, when it is the exact right time (which God knows), they will go there. Use the concept that they wouldn’t want to go to a party at the wrong time because the hosts would not be ready for them – God is not ready for them in heaven yet. He wants them to grow and learn here on earth and to trust Him that when the time is just perfect, He will take them to His beautiful home, Heaven. This is the perfect time for you to again present the gospel to your children. Ask them if they have asked Jesus into their heart to live, which will make them ready for Heaven.
Young children can’t handle abstract things. At this age, their minds can only handle things that they can see and touch. So do tell them Heaven is a real place, but explain that it is just too far away to see or go there right now. Continue to talk about Heaven like you would other places that are far away (like Disney World) and keep stressing that when God is ready for them, they will go to live with Him in Heaven if Jesus lives in their heart.
Just a quick note, that when your child does ask Jesus into their hearts – that is a very recognizable mothering moment. Be sure to take a few minutes to record the events of this decision including their conversations, thoughts, sayings and actual prayer. Do record your reactions and thoughts– someday this will be one of your treasured memories and you will be so glad that you have it written down,
Thanks to my middle daughter Laryssa who help me with her ability to know what is age appropriate for children’s understanding.
