Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Faith Like A Child

"Nana went to heaven to be with Jesus," we had to tell our little girl yesterday.  My wife's grandmother passed away over the weekend.  I was nervous about having a conversation about her death with our daughter, but she, once again, proved that she can handle anything.  My wife sat her down and we told her that Nana went to heaven to be with Jesus.  She asked, "With Jesus?" and we said, "Yes, honey, she went to be with Jesus in heaven."  "Okay," is all she said before it was back to playing with her toy house.  All she needed to know was that Nana was with Jesus, and everything was okay for her.  I sometimes wish that my faith was that strong, that it was as easy for me to believe God's Word and trust God as it is for her to believe what I say and trust in me.


The faith of a child is amazing.  I could tell her that pigs are purple and they fly at night time, and she would believe me.  I know it won't always be this way for her.  I will deceive her at some point.  I will lose her trust.  The blinders will be removed, and my imperfections will be glaringly obvious.  She will lose that childhood innocence at some point, and a new part of her life will begin.  She will have to learn the power of discernment so that she knows who she can and cannot trust.

Even though I know she will lose her trust in me one day, that still doesn't explain why I don't follow God as closely as I should.  He never deceives me.  He never does anything to break my trust.  It's me.  I walk away.  I am the one that strays from the path.  I am the one who thinks He's unfair.  I am the one that loses faith.  Dear Lord, help me to have faith like a child.  Help me to live more like your son, Jesus, so that I may be the father to my child that you are to me.

8 comments:

  1. It's amazing how much our children can teach us. Such a young child can find comfort in knowing that her loved one is with Jesus but we as adults struggle with that. I recently loss my niece and reading this post has put that experience into perspective.

    She's in the best possible place with the best possible person-Jesus. And because of that we should be comforted. Keeping you and your family in prayer during this difficult time.

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  2. Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a note.

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  3. My sincerest condolences to you and your family Matt!

    I was sorry to hear of your wife's loss but so blessed to read your words of hope in "Jesus". I find it amazing how the youngest among us can hear the name of our Lord Jesus and be instantly at peace. Your so wise to see your daughters blind faith yet, already acknowledged the way this fallen world will affect her as she grows older. Very wise in your youth!

    I wish I could have the blind trust of a small child; never doubting Gods love for me or His Grace. I'll join you in praying for the faith of a child as well as, blessings and comfort during your time of mourning!
    May the Lord bless and keep you
    May He make His face to shine upon you
    May He give you peace!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for a beautiful post. Nana loved you and was so proud of the wonderful job you are doing caring for her precious great granddaughter. She would have given this post a big "AMEN"! Thank you, Ann

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  4. Thank you all for your kind words.

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  5. So sorry to hear of your family's loss.

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  6. Sweet. When I was five, my older brother died in an accident. My parents had NO idea how to tell me and basically avoided dealing with it. The result was years and years of nightmares and fear of death. Dealing with it with our kids is sooooo important. Job well done, Matt!

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  7. I loved this. It is the simplest of truths and children receive it without question. I agree with you, I wish I had the faith that my children do. Thanks for sharing this post. You're doing your daughter a great service. Blessings!

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