Sometimes I realize what an adult I’ve become. While reading some stories to my kids about a very inquisitive primate all I can think about is- why does that man keep leaving this monkey alone when the monkey clearly has some obedience issues? And why after the monkey swallowed a puzzle piece and had to have it removed in the hospital did they use that same puzzle piece to finish the puzzle? How gross is that?
But that’s not how my kids see it. They adore this monkey and all his trouble-making ways. I think they feel a little camaraderie with him because he knows what he needs to do, but has such trouble obeying. And even when he has been so very naughty, there is forgiveness. The man with an unusual preference for the color yellow and bold taste in hats has such a love for this little monkey that whatever the damage, he makes it right.
And that’s why I love these stories, too. I love for my kids to see that forgiveness is possible. And it’s something I also need to be reminded. No matter what the damage, God has paid the bill and longs to take me back in his arms for forgiveness. Maybe it takes childlike faith to not question the story and believe that this man would keep trusting this monkey again and again even when the monkey seems bent on proving him wrong. And maybe it takes childlike faith to believe that God keeps loving us, too.