"What's Heaven Like?"

I knew the day would come when Sam would ask me questions about God.  And I hoped I would be able to answer those questions honestly and as biblically correct as I knew how.  Allyson has told me many of the things that Cade has asked her about heaven. Amazing questions from such a small boy.  Questions that she often had to call our Dad to know the best way to answer.  And it seems my oldest may be a lot like hers.  A deep thinker.  One who will keep me on my toes.  And hold me accountable.  Which I am so very grateful for.  And so it begins...my first conversation, of what I know will be many, about God with my precious boy.

"Mommy, does God live way, way up in the sky?  Up above the clouds?"

"Yes, honey.  He lives in a very special place called heaven."

"Well, what's heaven like?"

"Um, Sam, heaven is a wonderful place where everything is beautiful and everyone is happy and never sad.  And you get to live there forever and you will see Jesus."

"Well, do they have jungles there?"

"I'm not sure buddy.  Probably so."

"And will I be able to see all the animals and the animals will be nice to me?"

"Yes, I think animals in heaven would be very, very nice."

"So does God know me?"

"Yes, honey.  God knows everything about you.  You see, God made you and he made Mommy and Daddy and Jack.  And he knew you were the perfect little boy for us and he blessed us by giving us you."

"Well, can I talk to God?"

"You sure can.  God can be your very best friend.  You can talk to him about anything...when you are happy, or sad or scared.  God will always listen and always help you."

"Well, when I go to heaven will God have milk there?"

"I'm sure He will."

"And He'll have my milk cups, the kind I like?"

"I'm sure He'll have just what you like."

"Okay.  Good, Mommy."

Such a sweet little conversation.  Our first real conversation about God, where my boy actually asked the questions.  I was so proud of him.  And just when I thought we were done, he perked up and said...

"And Mommy, does God have a ding dong or just a heine?"

Silence...

"Um, Sam.  You know what, honey.  That is a great question for your Daddy and he will be home from work in just a second."

And I sat there wondering how in the world Jody would properly answer that one.  Not only answer it correctly, but in a way that Sam would accept.  I was convinced it wouldn't go over too well.  And the moment Jody walked in the door, Sam asked him.

"Daddy, does God have a ding dong or just a heine?"

Slight pause...

"Well son, God created man in His image.  In His image.  So I would say yes, son, that God does have a ding dong.  I think."

"Okay, Daddy."

And off he went.  Completely satisfied with his Daddy's answer.  Pure innocence.  And a reminder to keep it simple and honest.  Just simple and honest...as it should be.