A New Neighborhood

Bible Reading: John 14:1-3

“Tears spilled down Sophia’s cheeks. “I want Grandpa back,” she said. She knew her grandpa was with Jesus, but she missed him so much. She remembered the good times they’d had reading stories, going for walks, and playing games.

Mom put an arm around her. “It’s hard to lose someone we love, and it’s okay to be sad and cry,” she said softly, “but let’s remember how much Grandpa is enjoying being with Jesus in heaven. And just think how wonderful it will be when we all join him there someday—more wonderful than we can even imagine.”

“I know,” said Sophia, “but Grandpa loved being here with us. I bet he misses us too.”

Mom was quiet for a moment. “Do you remember the neighborhood where we used to live?” she asked.

“In Indiana?” asked Sophia. “Sure.”

“You liked your friends there,” said Mom. “Do you wish we could move back?”

“Not really,” said Sophia. “I like my new friends here too. And this house is bigger—I even have my own room! And the weather here is so warm we can play outside all year.” Sophia looked up anxiously. “We’re not moving back, are we?”

Mom laughed. “No, we’re not moving back, and Grandpa wouldn’t want to move back to this earth as it is now after experiencing heaven. Grandpa has no more sadness or pain, and best of all, he can now see Jesus face-to-face.”

“So…he wouldn’t really want to move back, would he?” said Sophia.

Mom shook her head. “He’s with Jesus, and because you and I know Jesus as our Savior, we’ll see Him face-to-face someday too—either in heaven after we die or when He returns to earth and makes everything new.”

Sophia nodded thoughtfully. “It would be nice if my old friends could move to this neighborhood. I know that’s not going to happen, but we are going to move to Grandpa’s new neighborhood someday. Then we’ll all live with Jesus forever!”

Mom wiped away a tear and nodded. “Death is a sad thing, but let’s remember that Grandpa is with Jesus, and that Jesus is also with us in our sadness, even though we can’t see Him.”

Sophia wiped a tear of her own, thinking of Grandpa, who was already seeing Jesus. Karen E. Cogan

How About You?

Has someone you love died and gone to be with Jesus in heaven? The Bible says Jesus is preparing a place for all those who love Him—a place that is far better than anything we can imagine. It’s okay to miss loved ones and cry, but don’t forget they are now in heaven with Jesus, where there is no sorrow or pain—and that one day you’ll be with Him there too.

Today’s Key Verse:
John 14:2-3 I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am, there you may be also.

Today’s Key Thought:

Heaven is a wonderful place