Dear Stephanie,
While we sat watching Eric during the last few hours of his life, I know a part of all of us was still hopeful that Eric wouldn’t die.
We often commented to one another how strong he was, and what an example he was to all of us. I couldn’t keep back the tears when you told us about the times Eric was so intent on getting a certain new toy; but, after getting it, he would freely give it away. The greatest example of all for us was how he took in stride the many sleepless nights of nausea, dizziness and pain that he experienced. He was never one to moan or complain. He may have been frustrated at times, but even then he was usually quieted by simple pleasures like a visit from someone or having a book read to him. He also enjoyed listening to his Christadelphian Children’s Choir tapes. He would have them on at such a volume the nurses asked, “What is he listening to and playing so loud?”
Sometimes we wonder how a child comprehends God. I do know this; in the face of trial, it will be extremely hard to forget Eric’s struggles. I will remember how during his last six months he had pneumonia and could not swallow food or fluids of any kind. I will remember how strong you were to feed him through that narrow rubber tube that ran into his stomach. And I will always remember the last few hours we shared with Eric, how his breathing became increasingly more difficult until his last breath went back to God who gave it.
Why do such sad things happen? Why are some given children to have them taken away? This is how the Shunamite woman felt (II Kings 4:28). Perhaps there is some answer for us in her response when her son died. Remember how she yearned for a son and was promised one by Elisha, the man of God. She was so happy and thankful for a while but then, when he was grown, her son fell ill and died in her arms.
As soon as the child died, she made great haste to contact Elisha. She called her husband and said, “Send me , I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God and come again…she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.” So she set out and came to the man of God in mount Carmel.
She did not tell her problem to Gehazi, the man of God’s servant, who was an unspiritual man. But “when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is bitter within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.” Then the woman poured out her anguish to the man of God, “Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?”
Elisha’ s response was to send Gehazi back home with the woman. But the woman would not have it: “And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.” So Elisha, in whom was the power of God, arose and followed her.
This Shunamite woman is a very good example of someone who, when in bitter distress, runs to God for help and does not turn to the arm of flesh. She must have understood the principle that we should “submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil [or false accusations from doubtful minds] and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you” (James 4:7,8).
Certainly, the reaction of the Shunamite woman sets a good example for us. She trusted in the Lord with all her heart and would not look to the way of man for help. Perhaps she knew from experience not to lean upon her own understanding but God’s. Let us also turn to God for refuge from our problems and concerns, for “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:1).
We need to remember that sin is at the root of all the problems ofinjustice, pollution, starvation and disease that exist. It was sin in the beginning that resulted in our being the weak, mortal creatures that we are. And even in our mortal condition, things would be much better if we permitted God to work in our lives and acceded to His principles.
Yet we can look forward to a day when, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:3,4 NIV). We can be part of that time if we have faith in God now and do not rely on the arm of flesh or on our own understanding.
Eric’s life was short, but we can be thankful for having him for those few years. He left behind the very special memory of a little boy who taught us many valuable lessons. Eric endured his hardship in stride; do we? In the face of such hardship, would we endure such suffering or would we become bitter and turn our back on God?
Little children like Eric have trust that they will be cared for. They trust they will be given love and shelter and the basic essentials of life. Are we like this in the heat of our trials? It helps us to reflect and be thankful for what we do have. When Jesus’ disciples asked him who was the greatest in the kingdom of God, he replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of God. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of God” (Matt. 18:1-4).
That was the sort of spirit Eric had, the kind we should have –patient and trusting in his parent’s love and care.
With my prayers and my love,
Jeni
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One