One thing I know that I know about my beliefs concerning God, the world, and the afterlife is that I could be wrong. Most likely I am wrong about at least SOME things, and maybe many. Nonetheless I live and act according to my beliefs the best that I am able, and try to be responsible to the truth I’ve received. I am committed to passing it on to my children as well. But the “could be wrong” element fills me with humility as I begin teaching Abigail about the unseen. She asks me a lot about what God and Jesus can do. Did they make the trees? Did they make our family? did they make my toys? Today’s car ride was an especially interesting one, as we had been listening to a Laurie Berkner song with these words: “You’re not perfect, no you’re not. You’re not perfect, but you’ve got what you’ve got. You do your very best each day. You’re not perfect, and I love you that way.” This conversation ensued:

Abi: Are you perfect, Mom?
Me: No, I’m not. Are you?
Abi: No.
Me: But I love you that way.
Abi: And I love you that way!
Me: We love each other.
Abi: And Jesus loves us.
Me: Yes he does! And you know what? Jesus IS perfect.
Abi: He is? (she thinks about this a bit)
Me: Yes.
Abi: Can Jesus make us perfect?
Me: (thinking about it a bit) Yes, he can.
Abi: Is he making us perfect right now?
Me: Yes. But it takes a long, long time. Our whole lives. We have to grow up and even get old while Jesus makes us perfect.
Abi: Are you grown up?
Me: Yes. But I’m not perfect yet.
Abi: I’m growing up right now!

Abigail has very little idea what perfect means, but this conversation still felt powerful to me, not the least because it reminded me of the hope I have for my own future and that of my family, in a week in which my failings and weaknesses have seemed determined to define me. And of course it reminded me of the power of love to cover over a multitude of sins. Thanks, Laurie Berkner. Thanks, Jesus. Thanks, Abigail.

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