This thread is the equivalent of:
“Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
No matter how many times you tell them the mileage, they don’t have any conception of either time or distance, and the childish powers of intellect can’t comprehend anything other than “I want what I want when I want.”
You must be an awesome father to keep reasoning with the unreasonable.
On one level this is as frustrating as arguing the comparison of sunsets with the color blind. Some are truly evil in their obstinacy. But on the other level it is like dealing with retarded children. We have to remind ourselves that it is not their fault they are retarded and answer their questions within the uniqueness of the moment. They may not get it, but then again they just might and it would be a sin against them and Jesus to have thrown away that momentary opportunity.
I must more often say the prayer given us by Reinhold Niebuhr (yes, I know he was a Protestant):
God, grant us the...
Serenity to accept things we cannot change,
Courage to change the things we can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference
Patience for the things that take time
Appreciation for all that we have, and
Tolerance for those with different struggles
Freedom to live beyond the limitations of our past ways, the
Ability to feel your love for us and our love for each other and the
Strength to get up and try again even when we feel it is hopeless.