When children are between two and three years old, they begin to ask the familiar question, “Why?” Most parents can relate to that question and how it continues on and on. The fact that our kids are asking the question, is not to irritate us, even though it often does. Instead, their curiosity about their world is opening up and ready to soak in as much information as possible. Why do we have to wash our hands? Why do we have to take a nap? Why, why, why? As we grow older, we continue to ask why. By the time we reach old age, the whys aren’t’ use much anymore. We simply have filled our data bank to the brim and one more fact just might turn us into zombies.

My grandmother had a great way of dealing with frustration. When it became too hard to cope with the life changing events of losing five children to untimely death; managing a farm; nursing a husband who survived 2 massive stokes – she would go to the woods.  She’d sit there for a while and look at the beauty of God’s creation, focus on it for a while, cry a little and then return to her life with a new outlook.  We all go through times like this.  We may even cry out to God and ask, “Why?” When trouble comes, we might even blame Him for causing them. When anxiety comes on, we again tend to ask, “Why, God?” When full-fledged depression hits, it’s easier to blame someone else for our state of mind. Instead of asking “Why,” try asking, “Why not?” By doing so, we’re opening the door to discovering why. Like little children, we expand our horizons when we ask, “Why not?”

Kids will continue to ask the repetitive questions that drive most of us crazy, but there is a reason for those questions. They really want to know. Their maturing minds are sifting through things that will eventually define who they become. Sometimes a parent might simply say, “Because I said so.” That might quiet the questioning a bit, but don’t discourage that curiosity. Positive and negative energy have one thing in common.  They are both forms of energy.  Choosing the negative will often lead to a defeatist attitude, self-reliance and never getting anywhere.  If we decide to go the other route, we can become energized, push forward and never give up.  Turning our attention to the only power source, will allow us to become fully recharged.  Our Creator knows what’s best for us. After all, He has promised us that He has a plan for our lives.