Katelyn funnies

When we first found out about Eli's diagnosis, we talked to our kids about what would probably happen.  It was very difficult because they are so young and their feelings are so tender.  Katelyn told me that she didn't even know that something like this could happen to a baby; and why would she? We talked about how Eli would always be their brother and part of our family.  We explained that some precious little spirits don't have to be tested in mortality the way the rest of us have to be.  We told them that Eli was a pure and valiant spirit and he would be our guardian angel while we were here. We explained how special it was that we get our own personal angel that is sealed to us and will help us.  Katelyn quickly understood that because Eli was so valiant, he didn't require the same testing that some of us do.  She was quite offended by the idea because she felt like she wasn't good enough to have the same fate.  She just wasn't as righteous...is how she saw it. She wasn't sad... she was irritated and upset. She  really is under the assumption that life if supposed to be fair; even though we have taught, and even gone to great lengths, to show her this isn't so.  She felt cheated.  It was funny.  You have to know Katelyn to understand that this was funny and not sad.  (We don't generally try to be insensitive as her parents; especially with such sacred matters).
Her comments got me thinking a little. I feel that Eli is one of those that Joseph Smith talked about:

The Lord takes away many, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth.

But, do I think that everyone here is an awful, sinful person?  I mean, was Moroni a slacker? Was Moses subpar? etc, etc.  I don't know why God has some people leave earth before others.  I think we have some inkling into this idea from Joseph Smith's words, but we can't possibly understand all the reasons for why people live and die.  I also know that there is a significant and great work going on in the spirit world for which He needs righteous and determined people. We certainly need living prophets and apostles.  We need some good people here too. I know of angels in my life, that probably fit into the "too pure...too lovely" category, and yet they remain here to help the rest of us that need it.

"Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind. 

The Ministry of Angels-Jeffrey R. Holland

I know that God has a very specific plan that is tailored for each and every one of His children.  I feel like I am beginning to understand part of God's plan for Eli and our family.