If you’ve ever been around 4 and 5 year olds for a space of time, you’ve probably heard them ask a question. “Why?”
There is a time when our brains switch from learning language and basics that we begin to question the purpose behind actions and words. But as we grow, habits and thoughts become so ingrained in us that we stop asking ourselves why, we just do it.
“It is not the arguments being debated that is most dangerous, but those that are assumed.”
It’s a quote I heard once that stuck with me. (If one of you knows the source please comment with it, 80% chance it is CS Lewis.) I’m reminded daily that there are foundational assumptions that I live my life out of. God is constantly challenging those assumptions to highlight the ones that are His versus the ones that are lies (You know, building your house upon the rock instead of the sand analogy).
There is this Japanese concept called Kaizen. It is a process that people and businesses use to constantly improve on themselves and their process. It is a continuous daily effort to make changes for the better. Businesses do this through the 5 Why’s – asking a sequence of questions to determine the root(s) of the issue.
Both Kaizen and the 5 Why’s process are completely dependent on the knowledge and persistence of those involved. It’s why we sometimes tire of the whys little ones ask when we get to a concept that is deeper than elementary words can express. But I feel like I also get a little frustrated when a “why?” touches on an area I haven’t thought about in a while.
Maybe because I have a little Guardian inside me that doesn’t want to look too closely at the answer to that question. Maybe I’m living out of a place of past pain that my brain has decided its best to keep in the dark.
But God is a God of light, love, and healing!
So many times in scripture we read of God asking questions. It’s not because He doesn’t know the answer. He knows. But because He wants US to know. Deeper revelations come from deep within us.
I can’t tell you how many times someone has talked at me and spoken deep truths. And sometimes I would recognize them as such. But most times my brain was like “oh cool” *moves on to the next thing.* Weeks, months, or years later I would be asked a question “why?” And from the well of my heart, it would surface.
My why.
Sometimes full of truth, sometimes full of lies, but always good to know.
I’m excited for the new season of Kaizen the World Race will bring. I am fully expecting to hear questions from the Lord in response to my outcries about whatever adventure the trip brings.
My ultimate goal on this trip is – as best said by my goddaughter when asked why she painted her room in nailpolish – “I want to make it boo-ti-full.”
