26 And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’
This is called a “Daddy why” question. If you are a parent you have had to answer many of these questions. During certain stages of development the questions never seem to end. Kids want to know everything. They ask questions about things we haven’t thought about in years, perhaps ever. Their questions can help us unlock so many things, if we are just willing to listen to their questions. Their questions are untainted by the standard answers that we have come to believe. There is a wonder and an excitement about their questions. This is especially true when they are seeking eternal answers. As Moses gives the Hebrews instructions about how the Passover is to be executed, part of those instructions deal with explaining it to future generations. Why do we take up an offering during church? Why do we sing songs? Why do we have bread and grape juice? Why is there a cross on the wall? Each of these questions, and many more, give us the opportunity to explain the symbols of our faith. The old churches in Europe have their walls and ceilings decorated with the Gospel story in pictures. They are the visual Sunday School lessons of their day. Kids would see the pictures and ask the questions. Then parents and preachers could tell the Truth about God and us. These questions can become annoying after the hundredth, can’t they! But if we can stay tuned in to our children during these times, their minds will be filled with the awe and wonder of God. They will retain the joy of discovery and learning. When our answers are shared with the same enthusiasm as their questions their world will stay open to the discovery of God and his world.
The Arnold Journey 