My Dear Son,
When you were much younger, you had such an inquisitive mind. Your questions were endless. Your inquisitive mind kept me on my toes. You never stopped asking questions – questions about God, creation, the weather, the moon, sex – you asked about a lot of things! You were so fascinated by the world around you and wanted to know more about it. And if you recall, I never took your questions for granted and did my best to answer them earnestly.
Do you remember the time when you asked me a question that really caught me off guard? I told you that I wish I had the wisdom of Jesus. People asking questions surrounded Jesus during his life on earth; some of those were just out to trick him or catch him out, but he was up to them. Whatever the question, he was ready with an answer. Some he gave detailed answers to their questions. To give you an example of the Wisdom of Jesus, I told you the parable of the Good Samaritan – This smart Alec lawyer asked Jesus – “What do I do to inherit eternal life?”
“ What is written in the law?” Jesus asks in return. The lawyer had no problems reeling off the legal requirements – “Love God and your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus complemented him on his response and informed him that once he complies with this law, all will be well with him,
But the lawyer wanted to prove how smart he was, so he asked Jesus – “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus in his reply told him the story of the Good Samaritan. How a Jewish man on a journey came across thieves who left him for dead. Those who should have lent a helping hand ignored him. It took a Samaritan (people loathed by the Jews) to come to his rescue.
Jesus made the lawyer to answer his own question. The lawyer had to decide on who was the true neighbor to the man who was the victim of the thieves. (See Luke 10: 25 -37)
So my son, questions need to be taken seriously. However, do not be hasty in giving answers, take time to reflect. And if you do not know the answer, do not be too cocky to admit it because when it comes to life and living no one has all the answers. If you recall, the answer I gave you on that day was – “Honestly son, I really do not know the answer to your question.”
Finally I will like to end with this quote from Sophie Kinsella, The Undomestic Goddess “Don’t beat yourself up for not knowing the answers. You don’t always have to know who you are. You don’t have to have the big picture, or know where you’re heading. Sometimes, it’s enough just to know what you’re going to do next.”