by Beverly McNeff

It has been over twenty years since my dad’s next journey into eternal life. When it occurred, our son Jeffrey was six years old. I wanted him to understand this life-lesson in a way that was not fearful, so I explained that those who leave this physical existence are always in our hearts, and we can talk to them whenever we like. This simple and gentle explanation seemed to help him, and it comforted me, as well.

One night, shortly after that conversation, this explanation was put to the test. Jeffrey couldn’t sleep and came into our room, hopping into bed between my husband and me. As he cuddled close, he said, “Mom, I still have 99 more questions for Paka (this was Jeffrey’s name for my dad).”

“Well, you can still talk to him and ask him anything,” I said.

Jeffrey sat up in bed and, in a loud voice, asked, “Paka, are you afraid?”

I remember holding my breath as silence hung in the room. Then Jeffrey said, in a very matter-of-fact way, “He said no.” And he plopped back down in the bed and fell asleep.

Jeffrey trusted what I said. His belief gave him comfort and surety. It was the simple faith of a child who trusts his parent. We can do that, too. We can turn to our Parent, to God, Who is there to give us comfort. Not just words or thoughts to make us feel good, but the truth, which answers the deep inner yearning of our souls.

Whatever is going on in your life right now, you can turn to the all-encompassing love of God to answer your need. He is never absent from us, but sometimes we become more interested in the distractions of life rather than the peace of God that the Holy Spirit provides.

Let us affirm together, “Let every voice but God’s be still in me.” (W-254) Then let us wait in silent expectance for His Answer. You might also want to plop back down and get some rest, as well. I bet you need it.

Respond to Beverly’s Article
Support Our Work
Get Articles in Your Postal Mailbox