[Article by Conejo member, Bonnie Rockey]
Kids will ask a bajillion questions a day. Out of curiosity, but also for connection. The answer to the oft unknown for our kids is usually, initially, “puppies.” It allows for curiosity without fear of the unknown. “Puppies” will suffice while we wonder what else could be. And that space brings growth and connection.
I read recently that curiosity is a desire for knowledge, awe is the reverence we feel in the presence of the unknown, and wonder is the space between. So many studies connect curiosity to the experience of awe, and in turn, more studies show how awe and wonder positively impact our relationships.
I think that applies to our relationship with God, as well.
Life is busy, chaotic and often heavy. My questions tend towards the mundane—what’s on the to-do list? Or the heavy—why does God allow pain? How do I juggle it all? And frustration builds in the void of obscurity.
So I stop asking the heavy questions. And my connection with God suffers until I slow down and learn to be curious again. To trust that God meets me, delights in me, when I enter the unknown with curiosity. How? By starting small with curiosity about the world I encounter everyday. Not ‘“what’s for lunch,” curious. Like what was God thinking when He created the platypus (the babies are “puggles,” you’re welcome)? Or does God think of black holes as pockets?
Trusting the safety of His wisdom, creativity and love in the beautiful, maybe silly, unknowns builds the muscles of curiosity again. Intentionally seeking questions like children who boldly ask EVERYTHING that pops into their minds, without expecting an actual answer, takes practice for me. But trust and connection can be built through this childlike, joyful curiosity.
Throughout the Bible, people bring the unanswerable to God—both in despair and delight. He doesn’t shy away from their emotions or their inquisitiveness. He wants the relationships built when they trust Him with all of it. Jesus said to have a childlike faith; I don’t think He meant blind obedience, but curiosity, wonder, awe, that lead us to lean on Him.
When was the last time you allowed yourself to delight in curiosity? If you are feeling disconnected from God, I encourage you to build those curiosity muscles in the realm of wonder. Lean into trusting God’s comfort in the uncomfortable unknown one childlike question at a time, trusting that God meets you there. When I experience that awe in Him while I wonder about the brilliance of flowers, it’s easier to trust that He holds that same safe space for me when the heavy questions come. The unknown loses its power when curiosity is the goal.
This week, I urge you to allow moments of wonder, trusting God is with you in that space. There’s rejuvenation and connection there. Be curious, like a child, knowing our Creator delights in our wonder and the relationship that builds. And if you need an answer right now, “puppies.” He created them, too.
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