Struggling

The why questions I just can't answer. I struggle with why bad things happen...in particular why bad things happen to children. Terrible horrible things. 

Every day on this planet innocent children starve. Children are abused and neglected. Some stories I've read will never leave my mind. Things so horrific no person...let alone a child...should have to experience them. 

Last night as I tucked Sis into bed she was grumpy and snottily called her bed stupid. I corrected her that her bed wasn't stupid but instead it was warm and dry and cozy and clean and all hers. I told her we are thankful to God for her bed. It was a teachable moment. I explained to her that there are many children in the world without a bed. Without warm blankets. Without a pillow, or stuffed animals or a mommy to tuck them in.

These are things we tell our kids a lot but this is the first time that Sis heard it. She heard it in her heart. Her little face got all tense as she asked question after question. She wanted to know why.

She wanted to know why we have these things and other children don't have them. I was paralyzed. I truly do not know what to say. I don't know why we have these things and others don't. It sounds crass to explain to her that some of it is the luck of being born where you are born...the family you are given. 

But how do I explain that there are many in this world who love God, who are thankful for their blessings, and do good yet they suffer. There is no way to explain this. 

Sis quickly suggested that these children come live with us. She scooted over and patted the open space in her bed....for a little girl with no bed. She looked to her closet and announced that she would give her clothes to these children who didn't have any clothes. She was ready and willing to take action. 

This is the reaction and action I want my kids to have. I want them to be moved by others' suffering and take action. I was proud of her giving heart....while my heart was aching and struggling with the unanswerable Whys.