God at 75

Who is God? How many of us have been asked the question, “How does God look? Where does He live?” by our children, grandchildren or a young child. These very simple questions deserve answers simple enough for a child to understand. They should also contain a degree of childlike spiritualism. To answer the question referring to God’s looks one only has to look at the artistic masters such as Michalangelo and Rafaelle. Both artists depict God as an elderly male human with long white hair and a full white beard leaning upon his chest. One can say God resembles our modern day Santa Clause. So a child might ask, “Is God Santa Clause?” Children’s question are not always simple to answer. We must be careful. We are walking on thin ice. Caring parents or adults in authority over the child must be aware of the long term affect our answers might have upon the child. A simple approach might be to explain that Santa is a character or person who has the attributes of God in being all giving and wants us to be happy always. Maybe we can call Santa a “helper” of God. Now as to where does God Live? This question is a little more complicated. A simple response is “God lives in heaven.” Without getting into a disturbing topic of death and a afterlife be positive in a response. Describe heaven as a place of happiness, joy and fun. Depending on the age of the child “joy” in heaven should be described according to the little ones own interest and “fun” items. During the entire conversation of where and what always tell the child God loves him or her and will always be there for them just like mom or dad or grandma or grandpa. As the childs matures and ages life’s experiences will always change the little ones concept of God. It is a concept that evolves with each and every year of life. Ones concept of God as a 6 year old is totally different of that of an adult. Only God’s endless love should dominate both concepts.