Hard Questions

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Today, we were in the car and Natalie was listening to some Christian music. She blurted out, "I don't want to go to Heaven!"

What?

You heard that right. I said a quick prayer for wisdom, turned the music off, and asked why.

N: "I don't know, I just don't"

M: "Are you afraid?"

N: "I don't know."

M: "Are you afraid because you don't want to die?" (For some strange, creepy reason, my child is obsessed with death and dying)

N: "Yes, I don't want to die."

M: "Well, most people don't want to die, but when we die if Jesus is our saviour, we go to heaven. There are mansions there, which are like beautiful palaces (remember, princess mode here), and Jesus is there and we can see what God looks like."

N: "I don't want to go there Mommy! I don't want to die!"

I tried hard to assure her that unless God had another plan, she wasn't going to die for a really long time, and when that time came she would be ready.

She hasn't brought up this conversation again. Did I handle it right, I keep wondering? Should I have delved deeper? Reminded her of her need of salvation? I feel like I am going to mess up!

Comments

laugavitz said…
Nicole, I would love to talk with you more in a more private mannor on this topic, I will wait til your on fb next time to chat.

As for the not wanting to mess up, I feel that this must be a completly normal "parent," feeling. (at least I hope that it is normal, since I feel it a lot too)

I sometimes look to you for wisdom on parenting, so for what it is worth, I obviously think that you do a wonderful job.
February 8, 2010 at 9:46 PM
Rosemusic said…
Don't worry about it so much. God fills in the blanks for us as long as we are trying to teach our children Biblically. ;-) Little minds process things very differently, and eventually she'll get on the right track. I'd just say that most people don't truly want to die, so it's ok to feel that way.
February 9, 2010 at 6:16 AM
Anonymous said…
Wow she does ask the hard questions. I applaud you in your wise answer. I think you are doing just fine Nicole really you are.
MOM
February 11, 2010 at 9:05 AM
Janna said…
Well, I learned this week to pray that truth would penetrate their hearts, but no I don't think you messed up.

It could have been motivated for any number of reasons that only a 3 year old thinks of like... If I got to heaven I won't get to go to my birthday party.
February 11, 2010 at 11:55 PM
Mamma James said…
I think you ranswer was fine too, but just wanted to share our situation on the same question...my oldest said she didn't want to go to heaven either and after about a year we realized that she thought if she asked Jesus into her heart she would go to heaven RIGHT THEN! That scared the bageebers (sp? :)) out of her!!! So after she could explain her real reason behind "why" she didn't want to go to heaven we were able to conquor her fear. She was relived and accepted Jesus with GREAT EXCITEMENT right then! Natalie my be thinking so literally on the subject just like my daughter was. Praying for wisdom in how to help Natalie see the beauty in salvation and peace it will give her is the BEST thing you can do so keep that up! :) I'll pray that you get a better glimpse of what her real "why" is.
February 15, 2010 at 6:25 PM
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