Discussion with my Daughter

If you have children, or have been around children, you know that their questions can be random, and the discussions can take an unexpected turn that leaves you laughing, crying, or amazed at the insight. I had one of those discussions while driving into town a little while ago.

As we were driving to the store, Erin asked me why some people are missing part of their arm. That is the random part... there was no one around missing part of an arm, and I can't remember when we would have seen someone missing part of an arm. So I explained that sometimes people are born that way, and sometimes people have accidents that may cause them to lose part of their arm. I also explained that soldiers sometimes get injured and might have to lose an arm or leg. I tried my best to keep the discussion light... after all, I am talking to a 7 year old girl.

She had a few more questions, and then stated, "It's sad." I said yes, it is sad, but we have to trust God even when we are sad about something we don't have answers for. Then trying to help her understand, I caused the unexpected turn. I said, "Just like when your cousins Hamp and Daniel died, it left us sad, but we have to trust God that He did what was best." (Quick side for those that don't know... my nephew Hamp died in a car accident at the age of 12 nearly 10 years ago ... my nephew Daniel died of cancer at the age of 30 a year and a half ago.) Without hesitation she said, "Oh, I know why Hamp and Daniel died."

Of course, I was more than a little surprised by this claim. So I asked her, really? Why? She told me that that both Hamp and Daniel loved God and walked with Him. They had done all that God wanted from them, and therefore He took them to heaven to be with Him. Then she added, "Mom, you really don't have to be sad. It is a great thing for God to be pleased and bring you home early."

I don't know about you, but it left me with one word... WOW!