Incessant questions
by adustyframe ~ July 11th, 2007James had a friend over to play on Sunday afternoon.
Before we even pulled into the driveway, he began asking jail questions.
Now, I KNOW that this child was just curious and really just wanted to know.
However, we just don’t talk about it all the time. I don’t want James having to always have it in his face.
“So why is James’ dad in jail anyway?”
Me, “He made wrong choices and this is a consequence.”
A little while later,
“So, does James dad get to come here sometimes?”
Me, “No.”
“So do you have to go there to see him?”
Me, “Yes.”
“You mean he never gets to come home?”
Me, “Right.”
A little while later he asked,
“So, when he gets to come home do you have to go pick him up or will he come here?”
Me, “I don’t really know yet. But let’s talk about something else. That makes us sad.”
A little later,
“So when does James’ dad get to come home?”
Me, “We don’t exactly know. Did you hear me say that we don’t like to talk about this all the time? It makes us sad.”
James hollered, “YEAH!”
His friend said, “Oh sorry.”
Children are curious and this is such a big thing to be curious about. I’m sure he only asked what was on his mind. I know he wasn’t being unkind at all.
His questions just made a supposed to be fun afternoon feel really long.
July 11th, 2007 at 11:50 am
It may be difficult to see this now but this curious child may witness the glory of God through your family’s hard times.
Your husband when released may be used by God mightily and James’ friend will get to witness that.
If this ever happens again you could use the moment to witness how our Lord has shown Himself mightily to you even now. He is proving to be your Sustainer, Comforter, Provider, and Healer. In a fallen world, this boy is also going to experience hard times. At least he will have known someone who has seen and witnessed the mighty power of our Lord.
July 11th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Sorry Lizzie. I know that can be frustrating but I think you handled it very well. I love how you were patient, honest and didn’t elaborate. You did good. Keep your chin up and thanks for all the posting you’ve been doing lately. Although I don’t always comment 99% of the time something you say touches me in some way even if it’s just a whisper from Him to me through you which in my book are my favorites. God bless and know you, James and Lee are constantly in my prayers and thoughts.
July 12th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
I am a single parent and someone sent me one of your posts a while back to encourage me. I have been able to relate to the days of “having no more in me” that you have written about. I read this post and thought about a woman I recently heard speak, Carol Kent. May I suggest you get her book? It is called, “A new kind of normal.” Thanks for your blog and keep going to the Cross for all your strength and needs. May the Lord continue to be your Provider, Comforter and Best Friend.
July 12th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
I’m so sorry. I know that was hard for you and James. Kids just ask questions about things they don’t experience themselves. Our kids have lots of food allergies & we answer lots of questions about that. It’s a good opportunity to explain how everyone’s different but to also highlight ways that we’re all alike.
It’s gets annoying, doesn’t it, always having everything be an opportunity to explain and to show God’s love. Every now and then I think we all need the opportunity to just BE. You hang in there.