Reading with Caleb 🚜 “Why’s the roller in front?” “Why tracks, not wheels?” Then came the ridiculous ones 🤣 and I just went with it. But later, I felt uneasy. With students, I always ask questions. With my kids, I rarely invite theirs. My instinct is to control, not encourage. The gospel reframed it—God never tires of my questions. He welcomes me, gives wisdom generously (James 1:5). If my Father is patient with me, I can mirror that at home. Curious? Read more on my blog ✨
I was reading a book on excavators with Caleb when the questions started.
“Why is the roller at the front and not the back?”
“Why does this excavator have tracks instead of wheels?”
Obviously, I was even more tickled when his questions got more and more ridiculous 🤣—but I went with it, and each time asked if I had answered his question.
At first, it just felt like a fun exchange. But the more I thought about it, the more it struck me. With my students, I’m the one who usually does the quizzing. I check if they understand, I test their reasoning, I make sure they can follow my logic. Yet with my own children, I realized I haven’t been as intentional about encouraging them to ask me good questions.
That was humbling. Because questions are a sign of curiosity, of trust, of wanting to know. And when my children ask, they are opening a door for me to walk through with them.
I don’t just want to feed them information; I want to nurture their curiosity. I want them to know that their questions matter, and that they can expect a patient, thoughtful response.
God Welcomes Our Questions
As I reflected on this, I couldn’t help but think about how God treats us. He doesn’t just tolerate our questions; He invites them. Scripture tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, “who gives generously to all without reproach” (James 1:5).
That is incredible. God isn’t tired of our repeated “whys” or “hows.” He doesn’t roll His eyes when we bring Him the same struggles again and again. He doesn’t shut down our “ridiculous” questions. Instead, He receives them with patience and answers in His wisdom, in His time.
And if my heavenly Father treats me this way, then surely I can mirror this with my children.
How should the Christian think about this?
— ✂️ CUT FOR SUBSTACK ✂️ —
The Call to Mirror the Father’s Patience
Encouraging questions at home isn’t just about raising curious learners. It’s about shaping the way my children will see authority, knowledge, and ultimately God Himself. If I dismiss their questions, I teach them that authority doesn’t have time for them. But if I welcome their questions, I point them toward a God who always has time for them.
This is not easy. There are days when I’m tired and the last thing I want is another “why.” There are moments when the questions feel endless or even irritating. Yet, this is exactly when I must remember that I’m not doing this in my own strength. I am reflecting a Father who is infinitely patient with me.
So my prayer is this: may I not just teach my children answers, but may I encourage them to keep asking. May I show them that their questions are welcome, and in doing so, may I point them to the God who always welcomes ours.