Faith like a child

We said goodbye to a very special dog yesterday. My in-laws had a 6 year-old rat terrier that passed unexpectedly. Chester was a sweet dog and will be missed by all, especially Josh. He refers to my in-laws as "the puppy Nana & Bappa." How do you explain death to a 2 year-old? He knew that Chester was sick, but will he remember that he's gone the next time we visit?

When we got the call, Josh and I rushed to their home to stay with my mother-in-law (my father-in-law was away on business). On the way, I explained that Chester was very sick and that Nana C. was very sad. We bought some flowers and tea, and Josh declared that when we gave them to Nana, she wouldn't be sad anymore. I tried to explain that Chester was going away and that she would still be sad, but it would help her feel better.

Josh has really gotten into praying for people. Whenever one of us gets hurt, he will usually stop and pray for us to feel better. So when I told him Chester was hurt, he wanted to pray for him. After he prayed, he told me that Chester was all better. How do you answer that? Short of a miracle, there was no way that Chester would live another day.

When we arrived at my in-laws, Josh excitedly hugged Nana, gave her the presents and told her not to be sad anymore. She was glad to see us, but it was a sad evening. Chester was whimpering off and on throughout the evening. Every time he cried, Josh would drop his toys and run across the house. He would kneel down in front of Chester's kennel and reach inside, placing his hand on Chester's head. He would pray, "Lord Jesus, help make Chester all better. In Jesus' name, Amen!" Then he would jump up and return to his toys.

What faith! He has prayed for our friends' children for months now, and we've said our goodbyes to the ones that Jesus took home. We've tried to explain their deaths, but never been sure how well it registered. But recently, one child went home with his parents and Josh was thrilled! He was so excited to finally meet this little one that he prays over every night. The faith of a child! He focused on the one that came home and sees the miracle of a life. He had faith that if Jesus could heal a child, He could heal a dog, too.