I'm officiating at a funeral tomorrow afternoon. Ethan was a wonderful, vibrant, 2 year old who recently died after a long battle to try to save his life after a tragic accident.
Two short years the world was blessed with this little guy.
The family seems to be walking and talking through this as good as can be expected. I was honored to be asked to help lead the funeral. I worked with the family in the hospital when it all began. That seems so far away right now.
What do I say? What do I preach? I started looking at all the texts with the word "children" or "child" in them. Two chapters in Matthew really stood out. Matthew 18 and 19 each have a wonderful insight into how our Lord felt and thought about children.
When I break it down it seems clear "Heaven belongs to such as these" (Matt 19:14). When I thought about that I asked myself what do they (children) possess that allow them to turn the tables and become models and teachers for adults?
Humility is the first thing and is found in Matt 18:4. Whoever masters humility is the greatest in the kingdom. Humility is the trait that children posses that enable them to unlock heavens gates.
Faith or trust is another trait that children accel at. They have not learned to question everything yet. There is so much they believe simply because we say it.
Forgiveness is another trait that children possess in abundance. Many kids are gracious when it comes saying sorry and forgiving their friends after a fight.
And finally and maybe most importantly, Love. Children love recklessly. The little people are passionate. They love unconditionally. They love people, places and seasons and reasons.
Heaven belongs to such as these...do you meet that standard? Do you have humility, faith, forgivness, and love?
He lived two short years on this planet and that qualifies him as a heavenly guide. He never lived long enough to grow out of those traits and qualities that uniquely secure for him a special place in Heaven.
I can't wait to see him again, to thank him, for being true and faithful.
1 comment:
Very touching post. You are so right...what do you say to parents that just lost a beautiful toddler. Well, you just explained the four key things...humility, faith, forgiveness and love. Very well said.
I'm going to take time today and read Matt 18 & 19 on my lunch break. Thanks for the update.
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