Yesterday Kate asked me to read her a “black history story” since she was sad their black history month unit was over. So, we read Martin’s Big Words. Afterward, she asked me some questions about why people hate each other, and why the police didn’t do more to protect Martin. I gave her some answers rooted in history, not spiritual in the least.
She was quiet for about a minute, then asked, “When there’s the new heavens and the new earth, will it last an hour or a day or a week?” I wasn’t sure where she was going, so she asked again, “When the new heavens and the new earth come, will it be for a day or a week or a month?” “No, baby, the new heavens and the new earth will last forever, forever and ever.” “And there will be no sickness and no one sad and no one dying and no hate forever and ever?!” “Forever and ever.” “I wish the new heavens and the new earth would come right now.” “Me too, baby.”
I know that she will continue to struggle towards longing well. When she tempers her “Come, Lord Jesus” with “after I have my first kiss” or “after I can drive” or “after I get married”, I will understand. But I hope her simple, sweet faith will continues to encourage me as I keep learning to long.
Beautiful story. Someday, when Kate is all grown up, she will love having a record of that conversation.
I love it when our kids speak truth back to us. Amazing.