"Mommy, {sob} I have to tell you something..."

Our devotion time in school today turned into an hour(s) I will not soon forget.



Ya know...I had even rolled my eyes when I saw that a chapter in this devotional book was on our schedule today.

I KNOW that is horrible (yes, I heard you all collectively think it) BUT this devotional book we are going through ALWAYS leads to TONS and TONS of questions from Chase and Trey.

I only had about an hour and half to get the older boys' "Must Have Mom To Do This" work/reading accomplished before Aven was back on the scene....awake from her afternoon beauty sleep so I felt rushed.



But, I grabbed the book...and started in.

So, there we are, the two olders and I sitting on the floor, reading and looking up scripture, Zane was on the computer, and Tye was building with blocks.

Suddenly....after some discussion about John 15:3-5 (about being part of a "vine"... within the community of Christ)....



the questions started coming...

"Mom, if I sinned yesterday, and die in a car wreck today, would I goto Heaven?"

"Yes sweets. No one is perfect. God doesn't expect you to be perfect all the time."



"Mom, could I kill someone, still believe in God, ask for forgiveness, and still goto Heaven?"

(okay...odd...I will be watching for violent behavior from this one for awhile!)

"Yes sweets, the Bible says that your salvation and entrance to Heaven is solely based upon your belief and confession as Jesus your Savior. So, if one truly asks for forgiveness with a humble heart, a murderer can goto Heaven"



Which led to NUMEROUS questions about the "differences" in Heaven for someone who did "good" all their life for Christ versus someone who didn't but truly accepted Christ - 'at the last minute'.

Shew. My theology was a getting a workout! (and it was about to WAY more intense.....)

Of course, then came the questions about "HEAVEN"... they are the standard ones, which we've addressed before...but I think they just like talking it out alot.



"Mom, where is Heaven?"

"Sweets, in my heart, I believe it's very close but just something we are not "aware" of yet because we are not there".

"Mom, what if I think the best thing in the world is playing basketball, is that all I will do in Heaven?"

"No, sweets, I don't think so. But I do believe that the talents and gifts that God gave you when He created you will be used in Heaven. Like Trey playing the guitar and Chase being a natural leader."

Suddenly....a little hand was on my knee....



I looked down.

There was my precious Zane, in tears.

The room got quiet, we were now all sitting together, on the floor of the school room, while Zane cried.



It was a heart-wrenching cry that simply just "started" when he put his hand on my knee.

I put my hand over his and said, "Sweetie, what is the matter? Are you sick?"

"No, Mom {sobbing} but I did something really bad and I didn't want to tell you".

Instantly, I know I'm in the middle of a huge teachable moment and my Mommy-heart starts to silently pray that I handle this with grace, ease, and patience...



Chase and Trey are looking at me, with big eyes, wondering what in the heck Zane is going to say!

"Zane, do you want to tell me now? Honey, what we were talking about...Heaven....You are going to Heaven sweetie. You believe in Christ. God loves you. You never need to feel scared about all this. "

{sobbing} Zane says, "Ok, I can tell you."

Chase chimes in, "Zane, do you want Trey and I to cover our ears?"

Zane nods yes...

(My Mommy Heart Has Now Melted Into a Pool of Mush)



I lean into Zane, put my arms around him, and say, "What is it?"

"A while ago, one night, when Trey and I were talking. I said I didn't want Tye in our family anymore because he steals my toys sometimes!" Zane whispers as quickly as possible between sobs....



I was stunned.

Not bad stunned.

GOOD stunned.

Oh my...If we could ALL have a conscience like that.

To be so aware and to be SO sensitive to such things...

and to FEEL the NEED to make it right.



I was SO proud of Zane for recognizing this need...for it shines a very exciting light on what is developing inside his little (big) spirit....

I smiled, Chase and Trey uncovered their barely covered ears....

I took Zane onto my lap and said, "Zane, that you feel SO badly for doing that, shows what a great child you are. Now, why don't you ask Tye for forgiveness? You are going to feel SO much better after you do. And, kiddo, we ALL get mad at each other. Sometimes we say mean things to. I am so proud of you, though, for wanting to make it right."



I get Tye to sit in front of Zane....

Zane looks him in the eyes and says, "Tye do you forgive me for saying a mean thing about you?"

Tye, looks at me and I nod "yes" so Tye says, "Yesh"

and these two little brothers hug like bear cubs.



Then, all the boys are hugging...and I'm sitting in pure admiration of the effort kids want to put into being close to God...and learning from them as I observe.

Then...there are yet MORE questions....

but, suddenly, the "other" stuff I was suppose to teach to my boys today really didn't matter so much anymore...

I felt honored to be spending "to much" time talking about Jesus.

Andrea