Scott poured himself a cup of coffee as Michelle entered the kitchen. She studied his face. “Are you up for going today?”
Scott blinked. “Of course. It’s Easter.”
“I know, but your dad has only been gone a week. Everyone would understand.”
Scott blew on his coffee. “It wouldn’t be fair to the kids. Did you hide their baskets?”
Michelle nodded. “I did. I could take the kids to church and my parent’s house if you wanted some time alone.”
Scott set down his mug. “It’s tempting, but no. I want to spend the day with the family.” He sighed. “I just can’t stop thinking about my dad. We had some good conversations over the last few weeks. I really felt like he was getting closer to saying yes to God.”
Michelle slid into the chair next to him and squeezed his hand. “He was a stubborn man. But you were so persistent. For years he never wanted to hear God’s name. The fact that he let you talk to him about God at all is encouraging.”
Scott sighed. “You’re right. But what if he never asked Jesus into his heart? What if I didn’t say enough? I knew he didn’t have much time left, but I wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet. I wish I could have done more to convince him.” He squeezed his eyes shut, as a dull ache formed behind his eyes. “What if he didn’t make it to heaven because I didn’t do enough?”
Michelle’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Scott. It’s not your fault. You tried and tried. We’ll never know what went on in your dad’s head in those final hours, but it was his decision. It’s not your responsibility. Everyone has to come to God on their own. You gave him the message. It was up to him to accept it.”
Scott nodded. “I know. But all I keep thinking about is, what if he didn’t?”
The quiet of the kitchen was soon interrupted as Henry burst into the kitchen with Noah right behind him.
“It’s Easter!”
Michelle rose and squeezed Henry as he flew into her arms. Little Noah joined in. Scott’s mood instantly lifted. These two balls of energy livened up any space they entered. Michelle grinned at the boys. “Are you ready to look for your Easter baskets?”
“Yep!” Henry jumped up and down. Can I look anywhere?”
Michelle brushed Henry’s long bangs back from his eyes. “Your basket is somewhere on this floor of the house.” Henry dashed out of the room, and Michelle followed, grabbing her phone to take pictures.
Noah lingered behind and climbed into the chair next to Scott. Scott pulled him into his lap. “Don’t you want to look for your Easter basket, buddy?” At four years old, Noah was old enough to understand the joy of searching for hidden treasure, but he wasn’t quite as rambunctious as his older brother.
Noah turned and gazed into Scott’s eyes. “I will, Daddy.” He paused, and then, “I had a dream.”
Scott scooted Noah around to face him. “Was it a scary dream?”
“It was about Grandpa.”
Scott stilled. They’d tried to explain that he’d died, that they wouldn’t see him anymore, but how much could a four-year old understand? Honestly, Dad hadn’t been the doting grandfather-type, and the boys weren’t super close with him. So what was going on now that Noah was dreaming about him?
Scott swallowed against the lump in his throat. “Did you want to tell me about the dream?”
Noah nodded, his big eyes wide. “Yeah. I don’t get it.”
“That’s OK. Maybe I can help you understand it.” Scott sent up a silent prayer. God, I could use your help here. How do I explain death to a four-year-old? Especially when I’m struggling so much myself. Please give me the words to explain this to sweet, little Noah.
“Grandpa said…”
Scott’s heart thumped. “What did he say, buddy?”
“He said that just like the grave wasn’t the end for Jesus, it wasn’t the end for him, either. And he said being with Jesus was pretty cool.”
Scott pulled Noah into an embrace as the tears flowed down his cheeks. “Thank you for telling me that, Noah.” And thank You, God.
Noah squirmed in Scott’s arms. “What’s wrong, Daddy?”
“I’m just happy, that’s all. Your grandpa is in heaven with Jesus.”
“Can I go find my Easter basket now?”
Scott wiped the tears from his cheeks. “Of course. We’ll go look for it together.”
Luke 24:6-7
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”
God, on this Resurrection Day, thank You so much for the gift of your Son. And thank You, that because of what He did on the cross, we have a future together with Him in heaven. In Jesus, name, Amen.
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