Question Me

My daughters are miracles and their minds their own.

To understand the true quality of people, you must look into their minds, and examine their pursuits and aversions.

Marcus Aurelius

Difficult conversations with the kids are difficult. What a SENTENCE. I am a powerhouse of words, am I not? I just had a difficult conversation with my oldest last night. No details will be given, of course, considering I take privacy seriously. However, I can assure you it wasn’t an easy one.

What was interesting, as always, is how she, as well as her sisters, continue to impress and surprise me with what they understand. Anyone can say they understand something. That’s easy, it’s two words, four syllables. But when led to explain, she was able. When prodded to the conclusion, she would push back saying that was covered earlier in the conversation but I had missed it.

Seriously, that happened. How humbling.

So this morning I was talking to her again because I found last night difficult but stimulating. Now THAT is interesting. They’re at the level to challenge me in a meaningful way. Wonderful.

And it occurred to me, what have I done that may impede them in any way? Now that’s going to be a lot. Of course. In this instance I am referring to how they think. I want to mold their process and their thought around a solid structure of reason, empathy, humanity, and God. But I also want them to choose, ultimately, what they are, who they are, how they are, why they are, even when they are. That’s all part of the process. We can say “We are because of God.” and that is perfect. But that’s a choice we have made. We have made the choice to say that, believe that, accept that. While I will teach and converse and mentor in that manner, what they end up believing will be up to them.

So, with that in mind, I had a moment of slight panic. It wasn’t intense, but I don’t enjoy making mistakes so it was noticeable. I asked a simple question, “Have I ever told ya’ll not to question me when we’re in a discussion?”

Her answer made me happy. Any answer makes me happy though, to be fair, considering she’s my angel. Talking to these kids is what it is to be winning at the highest level imaginable. It’s great.

“What? No, you tell us TO question you.”

Which I remember now. I’m not sure why the panic struck, but it had. Now I have to live with it.

But what MONSTERS have I created?!?!

Kids, told TO QUESTION THEIR PARENTS?!

How terrible, right?

I mean, sure, Isreal. Oh yeah, I should define it. “Wrestles with God.” Meaning there is the expectation you will wrestle with the idea of God, faith in God, the teachings of God, and that you should do those things because it will bring you closer to God and the faither stronger as a result. Iron sharpens iron.

Now, this isn’t me equating myself with the almighty. Not even close. But I figure if God thought it was a good idea for his children to do some ‘RASSLIN’, perhaps I should follow his example and not be afraid of questions from my own children.

After all, they have to trust me. And if I never give them an answer they can HOLD or UNDERSTAND, how can that trust remain?

Until Next Time Friends,

Dad

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