A few days ago, my girls went to the local coffee shop with Daddy, which is always a mixed experience for the parent because the traffic along the route makes it a struggle to keep the little ones out of harms way. The payoff is relaxing with a cup of tea, a muffin, and two happy kids.
This particular visit our older girl had to use the facilities and Daddy wrestled the stroller and our 3-year-old through the crowds of coffee sippers to the back of the coffee shop and into the restroom. After the potty break, daddy suggested they head home through the back door, which was met with the customary response, "why?". "Just follow me and you'll find out" was Daddy's reply. This opportunity to trust was not accepted, so the two repeated their question and response back and forth with escalating frustration. Finally, Daddy said with exasperation, "Why do you have to know?" Her doe-eyed reply was, "Daddy, I can't help it. My brain is small and I can't understand things sometimes."
At this, he melted into a pool of butter and explained to our little morsel that it is easier to push the stroller out the back door than back through the throngs of people. The three companions then walked home together.
Now whenever she asks me that pestering, "Why, mommy?", I take a moment to think of it from her perspective and realize it's not that she doesn't trust me, just that her understanding of the world is small.
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That is so true about her understanding of the world. I think it's true of God too. We can only hope our children's conception of God grows over time. I think of Aslan's words to Lucy in Prince Caspian:
ReplyDelete"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."
"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."
Great post. Enjoying your blog!