We have learned to put the knives on the top shelf.
There is an unmistakable curiosity that comes with new life. Babies look at everything with fresh vision and intrigue. These are the things that after 35 years on this planet, I look past. The way sunlight hits a wall, the way microwaves illuminate and spin, and especially the mysterious purpose of a dishwasher, can all be mundane to us but fascinating to my son – the explorative near toddler. Frequently he will open the door and pull out various contents, and while this is adorably helpful when putting clean dishes away, it can be messy and unnecessary when they are to stay, waiting for their inevitable washing. After pulling every last dish and utensil out, Reed will then disregard the rack in hopes that daddy will let him play with the inner workings of the machine.
Daddy is a pushover
When do we get to the point that life dulls? When is the exact moment when we lose our interest in the ordinary? Is it when we are forced into the structure of public schools or maybe when we have to “grow up and get a job”?
If anything, faith is to be an never-ending journey of toddler like discovery. It should renew our curiosity and imaginations in fresh ways; bringing back the glow of the unknown. For too long we have believed the purpose of doctrine was to give us answers, but this is wrong. What we believe should be the springboard into a deeper theological sea of mystery. Clarity will lead to more discovery if we let it. There is no way the Creator of all things would grant us such an incredible imagination only for us to lock it away in the twilight of our youth. This may be the exact tool that will playfully lead us to the Spirit of grace.
Jesus had this incredible mix of maturity and irreverence. The stories He told were incredibly layered, but also imaginative and even a bit sarcastic. He played with children and seemed to put their own nature over that of His students. In turn, kids would have never hovered around Him if He was not at least a little bit fun. Children know who’s company is enjoyable. Jesus didn’t let His days be wasted without a little bit of wonder, mystery, and even humor.
Does what you believe make you wonder?
Today can be very formulaic.
Wake up, get dressed, get to work, go home.
If we look though, we can find our imagination. It is hidden, perhaps dulled from the suffocating years of mundane goal setting, but it is there.
Wake up the curious.
Matt simon blog 