Ice Cream and Questions
"Why does God make people and then take 'em back?"
I looked at the innocent face staring up at me by the sink of unwashed toys. And this in the middle of a conversation about ice cream and found rubber balls in the grass? Out of the blue. No warning.
Dear Lord, I silently prayed, don't let me mess this up.
Ten seconds.....15 seconds....20....
He stared.
"Maybe God needs him right now....to work on a special project.
I'll bet God needs him to help Him do something."
He looked doubtful as in Mimi-your-answer-stinks.
"God can do everything."
He had me there.
How do I answer this question without shaking his tee-tiny developing faith in a God who can do everything? I definitely didn't see that coming.
Maybe his faith isn't so tee-tiny after all.
Perhaps he puts mine to shame.
I didn't want to shake it.
"I miss him."
Big blue eyes staring at me full of little boy anger and impatience.
I wanted to make it better but I couldn't.
So we talked about his grandpa's favorite ice cream, his truck, and the games they played together. "You know, I remember the way he loved chocolate ice cream".....I giggled and tickled his tummy, wiping a small spot of chocolate from his sad little face. His eyes lit up. "And he always loved playing games with you!"
"Yep" he nodded vigorously.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Whew. That was a close one.
"Why can't Jesus send him back?"
I gave him a hug because I didn't have an answer.
If his faith in God is unwavering at four-years-old, I feared his faith in me was starting to crumble. Strike one for Mimi preserving Baby Boy's faith.
Thank goodness I don't have to be God today.
I wouldn't want him to think I could fix everything. Would I?
So he sat in my lap and we looked out the window at the sky for awhile. "But he always lives in my heart," said Baby Boy with a grin. "And you are in his," I quickly reminded him.
And then it hit me.
The real reason he was asking.
"He hasn't forgotten you, Baby Boy. He misses you too."
"He hasn't forgotten you, Baby Boy. He misses you too."
And I think that's all he needed to know.
More ice cream.
No more questions.
Copyright © Mimi Lenox. All Rights Reserved.
Labels
Baby Boy and Me,
Reflection
30 comments:
Wow, such power in those words!!
Wow, that is a very good question. I'm going to have to think about that one for a while.
Tish - They don't hold back, do they? I wish I could get back to the unhindered truth in my own life, before....well....life.
Charles - Thank goodness you have more than twenty seconds! Let me know when you come up with a suitable answer. I never know when he might ask a similarly loaded whopper....
And that's why you're the Queen.
You handled that just right!
Little guys just don't follow any set pattern or schedule, do they? If they did, you could have a notebook full of prepared answers you could study before every visit.
But nope. They just toss the questions out.
And next time, when you're all on your guard for that serious question you just know is coming, he'll ask...if Mickey is a mouse, and Donald is a duck, then what's Goofy?
God Bless!
You did a wonderful job with your answers, Your Majesty.
Your grandson is precious.
Hi Mimi,
Very profound & moving.
((((((Mimi & Baby Boy )))))
Ferd - I hope I did. Thanks for the royal pat on the back.
Trav - Now that you mention it, I think I could answer questions about God easier than Micky Mouse, Donald & Goofy. But I'm taking notes....thanks for the warning.
Star - God bless you too.
Ahh...Princess Patti - I could have used your level-headedness and wisdom during the long 20 second wait. Putting you on speed dial.
Barbara - Hugs received and appreciated. I can read in his face when he is thinking about him. It's only been 6 months and he's starting to really ask questions as he's realizing that he's not coming back. For a while I think he expected him to return at any moment.
His grandpa lived with him which makes it more painful for him. I will pass on the hugs and scoop more chocolate...
It isn't as difficult as one might think to answer children's questions - they only ever require the most simple answers don't they Mimi?
Out of the mouth of babes honey, out of the mouth of babes. Very well done. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)
This is when an adult has to be at their sharpest!
Goofy is a dog....
just saying
And you handled it much better than many would have Mimi....
I got this in my email and thought you would like it:
Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream
Words and music by Ed McCurdy
Last night I had the strangest dream,
I never dreamed before.
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war.
I dreamed I saw a mighty room,
The room was filled with men.
And the paper they were signing said
They'd never fight again.
And when the paper was all signed,
And a million copies made
They all joined hands and bowed their heads,
And grateful prayers were made.
And the people in the streets below,
Were dancing round and round.
While swords and guns and and uniforms
Were scattered on the ground.
Last night I had the strangest dream,
I’d ever dreamed before.
I dreamed the world had all agreed
To put an end to war.
I think the trick with children's questions is to not over-think them and not over-answer them. As adults we want to look at a question from every angle and come up with every answer possible but children have a simpler faith and a simpler understanding. Lucky kids!
Akelamalu - Simple. Yes. And not so simple.
Sandee - You can say that again...
Jean-Luc - He keeps me on my toes for sure. And he takes no prisoners...
Bond - Goofy. Dog. Got it.
And thanks.
Sarge - I love it. It was recorded by various artists. John Denver in 1971 (I heard him live in concert back in the day). It was on Simon and Garfunkel's debut album Wednesday Morning 3 AM in 1964, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger in '68, Bob Dylan...classic peace song.
Thanks for thinking of me. I love just reading the lyrics.
Linda - They DO have a simple faith. I did not have a simple answer...but it was an honest one.
Of course I am unqualified to have an opinion, other that to say he is lucky to have you as a grandmother...
Sueellen - Nice to make your cyber-acquaintance and thank you.
Bud - Thank you sweetie.
Mimi dear.. God CAN do anything.. He sent you to be that precious boy's guide. God knew you'd answer the questions with great care.
Beautiful post Mimi... funny how the little moments are always the most profound.
Anndi - I hope I answered them so that he understood that he is loved and always will be.
Dawn - Thank you Dawn. His faith is so immovable at this point. But I hope he never stops questioning either.
Vinny gave the short answer. But next you must be prepared for this one...
If Goofy is a dog, how come he talks and walks on his back legs but Pluto only barks and runs around like a real dog?
And could Mighty Mouse really beat up Superman?
It just keeps getting tougher.
Can I stay with you? Or at least with the comfort of your blog? I don't wanna work today...or tomorrow....Travis was right when he said that I would like this entry.
You are a true inspiration my friend.
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