Four Year Old Spirituality

We spent this past weekend in Bloomington with our dear friends, Kory and Megan. The Ringger Christmas was going on, and it's tradition that we stay there. Our kids are interacting more and more, and it's fun to imagine them being friends for years to come.

There are some funny contrasts in personality, however. The twins seem to be generally fun loving and light hearted. Smith would not likely be described as light hearted. Which set the stage for this little story.The boys were eating together in Bloomington's baby room. There is a wallpaper border by the food that has a variety of animals on it. One of the twins (I wasn't paying close enough attention to tell you which one) was apparently inspired by the decor and started saying, "Stupid crocodile." Laughs. Looks of glee. "Stupid crocodile."

Smith, not so sure about this line of conversation, looks skeptical and waits through several more stupid crocodiles. Finally he must speak up. "Cwocodiyos are God cawation."

Twin waits, smiling. "Stupid crocodile." More smiles and laughs.

Smith: "Cwocodiyos are Gods cawation. Do you fink God's cawation is stupid?"

Twin pauses, perhaps a tad taken back. But not enough to wipe the smirk off his face. "Stupid crocodiles."

At this point I feel bad for Smudge and pat him reassuringly. He just sort of sits there not knowing what to do. After a bit I hear, "Stupid crocodile" going again.

Smith tries once more, interuppting to stop the madness, "Hey. Hey. How about stupid Satan?"