Last week, my Grandad made his way heavenward after an incredible 92 years on Earth. It's a huge loss for our family, but witnessing his peace, and even joy, at the prospect of going to heaven was the most moving display of the truth that “to die is gain.” On Sunday, someone asked me whether his passing had stirred in me a desire to live with more urgency, as a fresh reminder of how fleeting life is. But, interestingly, that wasn’t what I felt at all.

It was late. I was tired. All I wanted was to collapse into bed but then I saw my nemesis: a pile of freshly washed clothes I’d dumped there earlier, still waiting for their final destination in the wardrobe. With a sigh, I scooped them up and set them on the floor beside the bed. I’ll do that tomorrow, I told myself. But then a strange thought popped into my mind…

Last week, while driving my son to swimming lessons, he said, "I don’t want to go."
Not a huge shock, if you’ve spent any time with five-year-olds, you’ll know how quickly they tend to change their minds, my son is no exception.