This morning my twins were ready early. They had an extra piece of toast and I asked about the test on New England.

 

"We know the answers from the study guide. In fact we memorized the questions too." Sure enough they took turns asking and answering the questions listed on the study guide. It was like a ping pong game as they tossed back the capitals and resources of Maine and Connecticut. They are in fifth grade now, not yet teenagers but definitely bigger than little. Their hair was rippled from yesterday's braids, and they were wearing the matching pink shirts I had tucked in their Easter baskets. Their days are a breezy blend of chapter books and munching sliced apples on the couch in the afternoon sun. Learning about Providence and Augusta is one more bounce in the game of hop scotch. 

 

My mind drifted. They not only know the answers, they understand the questions. A dear friend recently reminded me to live in the questions. That takes some of the pressure off of finding the retort. 

 

What happens if John and I have different responses to our adult kids? When I resist rushing for a conclusion, I can savor the inquiry. John and I have different responses. How about that. 

 

Will we be able to help the church that we love navigate conflict? If I settle down into that love, the future has less muscle than the present. 

 

One of the qualities still flourishing in my twins is acceptance. There are no signs of discontent with the contents of the curriculum. The teacher handed them a task and they did it without any questioning of the questions. I, on the other hand, have let that trust atrophy. 

 

"What, Lord? You want me to help Benjamin learn not to freak out every time the power goes out? I want a different test."

 

"Huh? You expect me to pay off college loans in this economy? No fair."

 

I think it would be a good exercise to review the resources of Providence. 

 

 

 

Photo by Jenny Stein

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