285. Five-Year-Old Wisdom
Lily is five and one night she had chosen one of her favorite books for bedtime reading, a set of books entitled “Theology for Tiny Tots.” These books, written for very young children, focus on such themes as “names for God” and “the friends of God.”
Having completed the reading, Lily took the books and set them gently on the nightstand. Kathryn complimented her on how carefully she had handled the books. Lily said, “Why does it matter?” Kathryn answered “They are very special books. They are books about God.”
Kathryn turned out the light and laid down next to her in the dark. After a short pause Lily piped up, “You know Mom, it’s not all good.”
Kathryn said, “What’s not all good Lily?”
“Well, there’s the part where they nail Jesus to the cross,” Lily said.
Now in the books there is not mention of the crucifixion, but Lily had made the connection that if you’re talking about God, then that includes Jesus, and the way Jesus died is an important part of the story.
Kathryn said, “You are right Lily, it was very sad when they nailed Jesus to the cross. That was a terrible thing to do.”
There was another long pause.
Finally Lily sighed, “Those disciples,” she said.
Kathryn spoke up, “Actually, Lily, it wasn’t the disciples who nailed Jesus to the cross.”
There was another pause.
Lily said, “They were there weren’t they?”
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(From Kathryn Johnson’s Christmas Letter—Used by permission.)
