Is God Paying Attention?

Kids are something else.  Even when they are playing, their little minds are always thinking of something. 

One day while driving home, my youngest son John asks 

“Mom, when God doesn’t pay attention, is that when bad stuff happens?”

I take a quick peek in the review mirror and smile, saying, 

“Johnny, God is always paying attention. He knows all the bad stuff that is happening, but he does not control us.  He gives us the freedom to make our own choices so we can choose to love him on our own. When people make the wrong choices sometimes, it affects others, not just them. Other times things happen, and we won’t know why or understand.  We need to trust God is good and will work it out even if it’s scary or sad.”

Small silence “oh, I thought God got distracted or something.”

I let out a chuckle and said, “No, bud, humans get distracted but not God. Just remember to keep trusting him.”

It’s funny how kids process.   We are still in the middle of a pandemic, and although he is six years old, he is fully aware of the devastation and inconvenience this pandemic has made on the world. From sickness to isolation and inability to be in a school building or play with friends, he can only describe his frustration as God not paying attention.  After all, he sees God as a superhero, so why has he let all this happen?  The reality is that even at a young age, kids need to learn the importance of keeping their eyes on God. He is learning to trust him in every situation, even if he doesn’t understand it.  Teaching that to them is also a perfect reminder for us to walk it out.