46-48 The next day they found him in the Temple seated among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. The teachers were all quite taken with him, impressed with the sharpness of his answers. But his parents were not impressed; they were upset and hurt.
His mother said, “Young man, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been half out of our minds looking for you.”
49-50 He said, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be here, dealing with the things of my Father?” But they had no idea what he was talking about.
Reflection
My daughter is 3 and we have entered the “Why?” stage.
We have to go to the store. Why?
Daddy has to work. Why?
We have to wear clothes in public. Why?
It’s time to go to bed now. Why?
Sometimes I just don’t have the patience for it. Other times I’ve got a few minutes to meander through curiosity with her. I sometimes don’t understand the thought process until it has ended and I see the result. Often, I still don’t understand it, but being in this phase of life has made me pause and reflect more often than I thought it would.
Why do fireflies butts glow? Why is some thunder long and rumbling and some thunder short and crackly? Why is chocolate brown? Why does a cicada make that sound? We have learned so many things because we like to find the answers to these questions. We want to cultivate this curiosity and willingness to explore in her, but it’s also fun and beneficial for us grown-ups. Every day we are learning so many new things!
We are also working hard to practice taking deep breaths when we are experiencing big emotions. Sometimes we are more successful than others. I know it’s sticking though, because she will start to see me getting frustrated, even when I’m trying to ignore it, and she will tell me I need to stop and take deep breaths; and she’s right.
Jesus scared the daylights out of his parents when he stayed in the temple longer than he should’ve. He also demonstrated wisdom and curiosity beyond his years that impressed teachers, and gave Mary something to think about for years to come.
Sometimes we forget just how smart kids are, and it’s easy to underestimate how much they understand until they turn it back on you in a way you weren’t expecting. There’s not much explanation for it other than, God created these wonderful little creatures that just want to explore everything! Their presence in our lives reminds us to explore AND to pause when necessary. Big breaths are just as important for grown-ups as they are for kids. Learning is just as fun for grown-ups as it is for kids.
by Ashley Bowler
For Pondering and Prayer
When have you learned something from a child? What have you learned from children? How has the way you’ve thought about something changed because you took a moment to ask, why?
Dear God, Thank you for children. Their curiosity gives us opportunities to explore and their intuitiveness gives us opportunities to reflect. They bring chaos, laughter, bewilderment, and wonderment to every new day. Help us to embrace the learning opportunities they provide us with grace, empathy, and curiosity. Amen.