Alpha and Omega

After the death of Ethan and Emma's Papaw Jack, Ethan was confused and thoughtful. Emma would state now and then that Papaw was in heaven, and we would gently confirm. They both seemed to accept this as a vague fact, but Ethan was more concerned about the concept than Emma. They do go to church on Sundays, but I really didn't think my 4-year-olds were taking away any religious concepts other than "Jesus Loves Me."

One day as we were lazily playing in the front yard, Ethan made a comment that was disturbing for me, and a very significant conversation ensued:

Ethan: God's dead.

Me: --No, He isn't. [stunned] God is alive. Ethan, why did you say that?

Ethan: Because he's in heaven like Papaw.

Me: He's alive in heaven and in your heart.

Ethan: [Looking down at his shirt] How does God fit in my chest?

Me: God is in your love. That love you feel for Mommy and Daddy and Emma, that happy in your heart, that's God.

Ethan: Is this leaf alive?

Me: Yes. [feeling somewhat relieved of the gravity]

Ethan: And when it dies, it'll go to heaven.

Me: Ummm...if it has love in its heart.

Ethan: It does have love in its heart.

Me: Ok. Then, it will go to heaven.

Ethan: ....Why did God make his son die? ...on the cross.

Me: [stunned again] He didn't make him die. He died on the cross because of mean people.

Ethan: Is my dad gonna make me die?

Me: No. Never. Ethan you are such a deep little thinker. God loves that about you, and so do I.


Amen.