Comfort For Hope Siblings: The Joy of Heaven

Dear Precious Child,

I see you there, smile on your face but pain in your eyes, longing for your Hope Sibling. You feel so many feelings, just like we do. You feel all the things within a matter of seconds, just like we do. Sadness, confusion, a bit of anger. Your mind races with questions as to why your meant-to-be sibling now lives in heaven instead of our home. You expected to spend hours snuggling on the couch and lending a helping hand with feedings and bath time. Instead, you now have memories of a casket far too small and a permanent resting spot which we plan to visit on special milestone days, like his birthday and Christmas.

Recently, as I was tucking you into bed, tears filled your eyes as you once again asked what happened, why your brother was not tucked in his crib, in the room next door. “I’m sad, Mama,” you said. “I am worried about Chance, that he is sad, too. I am sad that he might be sad that he is not part of our family here.”

Oh, sweet child. While we will always be sad that your brother died, he is not, for one second, living a life of sadness in heaven. He is whole and experiencing the greatest joy he will ever experience. He is the happiest he will ever be because he is in the presence of Jesus and in a continual state of joy, awe, and wonder. While we will always miss our Chance, he is not missing the four of us.

Revelation 21 confirms this truth.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (21:4 CEB)

I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. (21:3-5 MSG)

Eternal joy is found in God’s presence, dear one. While our minds cannot quite fathom never feeling sadness until we, too, find rest in our eternal home, we can find peace trusting in the truth of God’s Word. And we, too, can experience joy, even in our sadness, right now, because it is through Jesus that we find contentment despite our circumstances. Joy and grief can co-exist, sweet child. You will come to learn this as you continue to grow and experience more of life.

But you can close your eyes and sleep well tonight, knowing that your brother is in a state of total peace and joy, and while we will always be his family, he is not missing us.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Brittnie lives in Sugar Land, Texas and enjoys writing on her blog and other outlets, baking, lingering coffee dates, and soaking in moments with her family. She is a wife to Brandon and a mom to Clara, Camille, and Hope Mom to Baby A (Clara’s twin) and Chance. Psalm 62:1-2 is her go to verse when she needs quick encouragement. She is author of Desert Song, and you can visit with Brittnie at her personal blog, A Joy Renewed, where she shares her faith and family, and encourages her readers to claim joy despite circumstance.

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