Crazy faith

Jonathan is hitting the age of inquiry. "What does [insert word] mean?" is asked at least 19 times an hour. The other frequent thing he says is "please read/sing it in [Low] German." We used to be able to read books or sing songs in any language we pleased, but now he wants - needs - to know what all the words mean. That's ok, I think, and marvel at what a smart boy he is.

But then we get to the prayers. A few nights ago I said the usual High German one and, per request, translated it into Low German. In English it would be, roughly: I am small, my heart is clean, never should anyone enter but Jesus alone.

Sidenote: where do these crazy poems and ideas come from? And why do we say them??

Last night, after he made sure he knew what heart meant, he asked what it meant that Jesus lived in his heart. Seminary did not prepare me to answer this question. Seriously, stop and think about it from a 2-year old's perspective.

So I mumbled something not very meaningful. And after a moment's pause he said, "Jesus wants to get out."


Ramont and I are now a bit daunted (again) by this whole task of passing on the faith.