I need to preface this post by explaining that both girls are currently fascinated by baby pictures of themselves and photo albums from our wedding. It’s at least a once daily ritual that we pore over several small albums that we keep in a bookshelf in the den and discuss who’s who and what’s going on in each scene (the discussion part is primarily with the 3-year old because Toddler 2 is still only really interested in seeing pictures of herself). As we do this we, of course, come across pictures of my dad, or “Granddaddy,” as we’re sure he would have been most proud to be called. So, wanting my children to know something of my Dad and his character, I always try to explain in terms a 3-year old can comprehend (which is no easy task) that Mommy’s Daddy, aka Granddaddy, is in heaven with God. And, this seems to be a plausible and acceptable explanation that allows us to continue browsing through the photos. All this to say…
Here went a conversation b/t me and my 3-year old (Toddler 1) while riding in the car today:
3-year old: Mommy, maybe you could get in an airplane and fly to heaven and get God to make you stronger.
(Though there are many matters I’d like to address with God via a roundtrip flight to heaven and back, I’m not sure my physical strength would be at the top of that list. But, I understand her concern…)
Me: I’m not sure I can do that… Do you remember that your granddaddy lives in heaven with God?
3-year old: Well, I want my granddaddy to come to my house.
Me: Well, I don’t think he’s going to be able to do that.
3-year old: Why? I want him to.
Me: Well, ummm… when we say a nighttime prayer tonight would you like to ask God to give Granddaddy a message?
3-year old: Yes, I want to send him a message.
Me: Ok, then. We’ll do that.
She’s killing me. One can only think so fast when hit with the combination of profundity and innocence that only a 3-year old can possess. You’ve gotta love the minds and hearts of preschoolers…
“I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.” (Matthew 18:2-5; The Message)
It's tough matching profound innocent questions with reality's tough answers. Maybe God tells us to come to Him like a child because He knows we'll have trouble dealing with reality on our own.
Oh boy can I relate! But why do my children always choose to be profound when I'm trying to drive a moving vehicle? I find this infinitely unfair as my pea-brain can only be taxed so far, before I fear for our safety. Besides driving while trying not to cry is not terribly safe (in my opinion).
If only all adults could see the world as children do, I believe we'd have a much better world to share!
You're so right about the inconvenience (or danger!) of these mobile conversations. Maybe there's a connection b/t car seats and deep thinking…