As I'm walking Scout home from school, we slide effortlessly from a conversation about whether she does or does not "hate" her annoying classmate Kayla, into a discussion of the origin of the universe, and God.
As I compliment her on her good questions in this area—"Can we ask Santa if God is real?" and "I think God is everything. Or maybe he's over the sun somewhere."—I realize her guess is as good as mine. (And, fresher.)
I'm fine with whatever Scout decides about God. But if she's going to believe in Him, I think it's important that she imagines He has a sense of humor. For one thing, it helps explain some of His behavior.
So I ask her if she thinks God likes to laugh at funny jokes.
"Yeah," she says. "I think God is a lot like you and me."
Scout is a wise little girl, David.
I think God has a great sense of humor. I realize it every time I think I’ve figured everything out for myself, only to find that He has other plans that are clearly better for me. There’s an old saying and I’m paraprhasing it here: “Want to make God laugh? Make plans.”
And if you buy into the idea that we’re created in God’s image (as I do), then a sense of humor is one of his most obvious traits.
I love Scout’s questions. I love Scout’s answers.
I believe in God and Santa and good parenting. They are all real.
Aw hell, it’s Friday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rktW3byqdOs
Scout has a lovely perspective. And I like you you’re encouraging it, David. I’m certain that God’s smiling at your conversations with her.
One thing Avery would tell you she’s certain about concerning God—God likes doughnuts. She points to our church’s well-stocked narthex as evidence of this and reminds me of God’s preference whenever she is trying to persuade me to include them in our meal planning.
God also likes beer.
Benjamin Franklin said beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
This is the best Theology Blog EVER!
I just LOVE Scout! What a great post for a Friday! Made me smile.