No matter how old a person, there is still the question “why?” that plays in one’s head. This is especially true for kids. Why is the grass green, why do we eat vegetables before dessert, and why do I have to pick up my Legos before bed? (That last one is easy…so mommy doesn’t step on one and start screaming really bad words from the excruciating pain!)
The hardest whys are the ones we have no answers to give our inquisitors. No matter how much we know, or our kids think we know, there are questions we can’t answer. Why do kids get cancer, why do children go hungry in our city, and why –even when we pray for something- does it not happen?
Biblically and theologically we can give answers to these questions. We live in a broken world and all will not be right this side of heaven. God does answer our prayers, but sometimes the answer is wait, or even no.
I’m not sure how much theology helps a kid- or an adult for that matter-in the moment. When hearts are hurting or confused, what comes across as a stock answer may not be the best one. In the moment, I often wonder if the better answer is “I don’t know.”
There is a place for the biblical/theological answers FOR SURE and they most definitely help in the long term. None of us grow spiritually without the benefit of those answers. But maybe those kinds of answers are best left when a full discussion can take place- not in short one sentence responses to the why questions.
My son, for instance, didn’t need a theological answer last night when he asked a why question. What he needed was a hug, an “I don’t know”, and time praying together.
At times there are no easy answers to some of the ‘whys’ our kids ask. The best we can do is ask the Lord to give us the right words to say in the moment. Other times we get lucky and an easy ‘why’ is thrown our way. “Why can’t I eat the candy in the top of the pantry?” Um…because that chocolate belongs to mommy!
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
While talking to some kids about the Kingdom of God, a description of heaven was read from The Jesus Storybook Bible. After the description, the kids starting sharing their ideas of what heaven might be like. Things like no tears, no sadness, and no fights were shared. Then, one child asked, “Does that mean no wrestling…and what about candy?!” I guess heaven for this active boy would have to include rolling around on the ground and sugar.
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