A gentleman lived with his wife and family in a comfortable house in the city. His job often called for him to be away from home. But he always returned as soon as possible to his family, whom he loved so much.

One time, his work made him stay away longer than usual. His wife and little ones missed him very much. He sent them letters, writing with his affectionate love. While this consoled them, it didn’t stop them from wishing he was home with them.

One day, about two months after he had left, a large box arrived at his house, addressed to his children. They eagerly opened it. The little ones were filled with excitement at seeing the presents inside. One by one the gifts were unpacked, and Elizabeth, the eldest child, exclaimed:

"Oh, how good is dear papa! Although he is so far away from us, he has not forgotten us, but has sent us all such delightful presents. And he has made sure to send each one of us just what he knew we’d like best."

Their mother, was quietly looking on, enjoying their happiness. She then saw a letter lying at the bottom of the box. It had been overlooked by her excited children. She picked up the letter, and, after reading it to herself, she said to them:

"Here is a letter from your father."

"Oh, mamma, what does he say in the letter? Tell us!" they all cried out at once.

The mother read aloud the letter. It was as follows:

"My Dear Children,

Although I am far away from you, I have not forgotten you. I have been thinking about you all every day since I came here. And I have been collecting all these presents which I now send you, because I know they will please you, and make you think of me. But I have far more beautiful things for you which I cannot send you now. But if you are good and obedient children, I will some day come for you, and bring you here to enjoy them, and to live with me in this beautiful place. I don’t need to try to explain the beauty of the delightful things I am preparing for you here, because you would never be able to understand it. You will only understand this when you come here and see them. So try and be good till I return."

The children were overjoyed at this good news, and said to each other:

"I wonder if it will be a long time before he comes for us. I hope he comes soon! Oh, won’t we be glad when we see dear, good papa!"

Then their mother said:

"You see, my dear children, how much papa loves you, and how he thinks of you, and how all he wants is to make you happy. But your Heavenly Father loves you infinitely more, and is always busy taking care of you and trying to make you happy.

"It is quite true you cannot see Him just now, no more than you can see dear papa, who is so far away. But He shows you that He does not forget you, for He sends you beautiful presents every day. Isn’t it for you that the sun shines, and that the earth produces its fruits?

"And doesn’t the Holy Scripture tell us that the presents He is going to give us in Heaven, if we are good and faithful to Him on earth, are so much more than we could imagine: That eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man what things God has prepared for them that love Him?

"Oh, my dearest children, be good now, and obey God, your Father in Heaven, and He will soon come for you, and take you all to His happy home above."

The children listened attentively, and Elizabeth answered:

"Yes, mamma, I am sure we will all do that, not only because He is to make us happy in Heaven, but because He is so good in Himself. For that is why we all love good papa so much. We love him not because he sent us all these presents today, nor because he has promised to give us more, but just because he is so good. Oh, yes, dear papa is so good."