Who Is God

 

Walking hand in hand along the crowded streets of Paris on their way to school, little Gabriel, as curious as four years old can be, turned to his agnostic Daddy with yet another question in the slew of questions a child can ask on any given day. "Daddy, who is God?" he inquired as he had asked before, with his curious eyes looking up at him.

Martin paused momentarily, finding the right words, "Gabriel," he began, "God is love. God exists in everyone and everything around us. Although we can't see God with our eyes, we can feel God..."

Now you must know that the word "Feel" sounds the same as the word "Smell,"

Which in French is "Sentir."

Gabriel thought about it ...

Martin wondered if he understood as he could see Gabriel's wheels were turning and how he would answer him if this conversation went further.

And then, in an unexpected twist, Gabriel replied while nodding his head, "So, God is like a fart." he said as one would say, "The sky is blue."

Martin was momentarily speechless, not knowing how to respond to this surprising analogy. Yet, his parental instincts kicked in, and he managed to stifle a laugh, understanding the whimsical connection Gabriel had made was not in malice. 

And so, another memory was etched of the unpredictability of raising a child.  

A child's magical and mystical perspective effortlessly intertwines, shaping their lives and understanding of the world. Our role is to be present, cherishing their candid and imaginative musings.

 

Comments

[Jeanne]

The precious questions out of the mouths of babes and their parents wonderful answers

[TracyH]

God is smiling down on this conversation. ✨

[marilyn]

Oh my! I will never think of God in the same way.
A fart does permeate our surrounding in scent and is inside of us too.
I love it!
My grandson once pointed at the creche during Christmas and asked if Jesus was real.
I said "yes". That was all he needed.

[Diogenes]

Hysterical! I'm still laughing.

[Ali]

Etched in my mind for ever...
Luv it!
Ali

[Teddee Grace]

God exists in everything. That will become a family story for sure.

[Franki]

Priceless!

[Barbara St. Aubrey]

Cannot stop Laughing and yet perfect - great way to define God when things are going bad and yes, what is not going well is actually inside of me - love it...! What a blessing to have such simple wisdom from the child who holds your hand.

[Annafromindiana]

Ahhhh, the unvarnished and untarnished innocence and wisdom of young children — precious!

[Alan]

I imagine that for people who have experienced tragedy in their lives, it's as good an analogy as any.

[Kathy]

Too cute. Love your Gabriel stories. 💕

[Andrea]

I love this Corey. Children want simple answers and they are content with that simplicity. Such a sweet conversation and your grandchildren will continue to grow in a family where questions are answered and they are allowed to be curious and ultimately come to their own decisions. The best!

[Momof5]

A laugh out loud wonderful story. And a lovely explaination by his agnostic papa.

[Chico Sue]

How uniquely adorable is Gabriel’s understanding!!
When my grandson was about the same age as Gabriel is now, he asked me what God looked like. I had to be careful because I too am somewhat of an agnostic and I was aware that his other grandparent was deep;y involved in Evangelical religion. So I told my grandson that although no one knows for sure what God looks like, I imagine God looks like him, and like his parents, and all of the people on earth, and all of the living creatures in the forests and the jungles and the waters. I think God looks like all the beautiful wonders on the lands and Seas. I went on for some time and then ended by saying, “That’s what I think God looks like”. And then he paused thoughtfully and said, “No, my other grandma has a picture of him at her house, so I know what God looks like.”

[Susan in Zurich]

❤️