I recently spent some precious time with three of my five grandchildren in Idaho. So many conversations! I know what the word voice-over means but with children it is hard, sometimes, to keep up. I remembered after returning home that the youngest asked me if I liked pudding. At least I think it was him. I realized that I never answered as another conversation took over. We were mid one of many games. You recognize the value of others and want to answer their curiosity. I think it is the sweetest question I have ever heard. I’m thinking that he was hoping for common ground and he must like pudding. I wish I lived closer so that I could test that theory.
Because I believe we are made in God’s image, I believe God is curious too. The difference is that He is also all-knowing. We are not made that way so we watch and communicate. We question and quantify. We size people up at a glance. We fear people with no cause. We crave connection. I crave connection. To please another we must know what makes them happy. My life-long challenge is listening. I’m a talker and some of my words are gifts and others are mistakes. What is the first thing you say to a new acquaintance after a name introduction? What is next? In Idaho people actually ask each other what church they attend. That warms my heart. What’s new? -is another question frequently visited when catching up. What do you believe? – is a question that is way down the road and may never be breached. Do you like pudding? – is sweet. We need to think about what conversation will bless others and also direct us all to truth. I am not talking about my truth but God’s truth. In closing, I hope you might consider these two questions: Do you like pudding? What do you believe about Jesus?
