December 10 – “Which is farther?”

For those who missed my sharing of his Dad’s post, here is a reposting of a brief interchange Kel had with his five year old son Josiah the other night:

Josiah (Always the incredibly affectionate little kid): “Dad, which is farther away, heaven or hell?”

Kel (Ever the consummate theologian.  He insists he had an idea where this might be going, but couldn’t think fast enough to handle it any other way.  So he reverted back to his theological roots for what was actually the “perfect” answer.  Mom was later heard to say, “It’s kind of a glass-half-full or half-empty concept, isn’t it?  We are pretty close to Heaven and hell both, depending on our spiritual status.”  Sigh.  It must be tough having a couple of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s for parents): “Hard to say, but heaven is probably a bit closer for those who love Jesus.”

Josiah (Re-calling Kel from his theological heights): “Oh, OK. Dad, I love you to hell and back.”

There is some incredible spiritual imagery involved there.  Maybe even some of which Dante missed the first time around.  But personally, I can’t think of an expression of love that could top that one.  Apparently neither could God.   I love you … to hell and back.

1 Peter 1:14-16 says, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

Father, thank you for regaling us with such deep wisdom from the mouth of one so young … yet again.  Amen.