Do You Like Donuts

Indian Valley Elementary First Graders

"When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear."  (Lamentations 3:28-29 The Message)


Last Friday, I enjoyed reading to first graders at Indian Valley Elementary School in Sylacauga, Alabama. At the end of the story, I asked the children a few questions to see if they were good listeners. After my questions, their teacher asked her students if they had any questions. When hands popped up all over the room, I thought, they are really interested in books! 

Their hilarious questions and comments:

Do you like donuts?

Do you eat pizza?

Do you like pizza?

Why do you wear a necklace?

I like your shoes.

I like your yellow bag.


Oh, the joy and wonder of six and seven-year-olds. SMILE.

~

Lamentations is an Old Testament book of poetry most probably written by the prophet Jeremiah at a critical hour in Judah's life. Jerusalem had been reduced to rubble, and her people carried off to Babylon. 

In chapter three, Jeremiah encourages the brokenhearted to pray and not ask questions, because "above the cloud of the poet's weeping over the sins of his people, God's sun is shining." (Dr. Henrietta Mears)

God is faithful. His loyal love never runs out, His mercies never dry up. They rise afresh with every new day. 

Therefore, beloved, when life is heavy and hard to take, don't ask needless questions. "Pray. Quietly hope for help from God.Why? Because the Master won't ever walk out and fail to return." (Lamentation 3:27-31 The Message)