Faith Like a Child

Sophie is so great right now, asking more questions about the world and really listening when we attempt to answer her. This is much different from previous conversations that would go like this:

Sophie – “There was an earthquake there?!”

Us – “Yep. Do you know what an earthquake is?”

Sophie – “Yeah.”

Us – “Really? Where did you learn that?”

Sophie – “I just know it.”

Cool.

But these days, it’s different. She wants to know and her questions are great. What kinds of clouds are those? Where does the sun go? Where does Jesus live?

[For the record, Clare has been asking the questions we are trying to avoid. I believe it was in the middle of the Good Friday service when she loudly asked, “How did the baby get in your tummy?!”]

Today I got a big Atlas for Kids for Sophia and she was thrilled (much to my relief). This evening she looked thru it and was testing what she already knows about the world with what she found in the book. Tonight we were looking at Europe and there is a picture of a Fjord in Norway. The caption explains what a fjord is, and how they were formed from icebergs. I explained that icebergs were enormous and when God was making the world they helped to form the land. Sophia’s first question is about whether the iceberg would have run into a house that God had built for the people. J I love how her questions so frequently are set in the context of what God has done, or is doing in the world. She wants to know if God told Kings and Queens that they could have that job, and how God can possibly listen to all the prayers of everyone at the same time. After an explanation about how our solar system works (a model including Mimi, some beach balls, and an entertaining dance of the planets), she wants to know where God lives in respect to all that. Her faith is real and the context of her world is Jesus. Everything is set within the notion of an all-powerful, loving, and omnipresent God.

If only all of my thoughts and questions were set in the same context. Instead of wondering how we are going to pay the bills, I would wonder at how God will provide for us to pay our bills. Instead of wondering how _____ could possibly say something so rude, I might pray to God for understanding (for me) and less stress (for them). Instead of worrying about the stupidity of our politicians, I might instead be seeking out the good that people in our country are a part of, and how I might add to it.

“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:13-16

Lord, give me faith like a child. And preserve it in my girls.

Amen.