A young boy sat quietly beside his favorite tree on a warm summer afternoon, lost in thought about where God might dwell. It seemed obvious to him that such a powerful being must occupy some lofty palace or majestic throne room, or perhaps float serenely among clouds as portrayed in religious artwork.

And yet, even with these impressive dwellings in mind, the boy still couldn’t shake off the feeling that somewhere else—somewhere hidden to mere mortals—God must surely keep himself secreted away.

The young boy thought, where is God?

Why can't I find him?
Why don't I see him?

Oh, he must be hiding somewhere! He must have a very good hiding place.

Hmm... I know, the boy thought, he is in the bible. So he looked in the bible and seen his name, but yet he still could not find God there. Even photos of him didn't exist. Only images that mankind had imagine his face to be.

Then, one day one of his friends told him that some people meditated to hear God talking. So, he tried meditating hoping to hear his voice but heard nothing. Yet many pastors, preachers and evangelist claim to hear him speak. The boy was puzzled, Hmm...

Why did God talk to them but not himself?

So, he tried to feel him inside his heart, because his mother had said many times that she felt the hand of God often. But alas, the young boy struggled in vain to feel anything. And after quite a few attempts, he cried,

"Why can't I feel God!"

After he calmed down, an exciting thought came that perhaps God was in an underground cavern glittering with gold, rubies and precious gemstones, guarded by fire breathing dragons until one dares approach; only then revealing God's divine secrets behind sealed, heavenly doors.

Or!

With a sudden startle of realization dawning upon him…perhaps he already knew exactly where to find God…Maybe he was hidden amongst the countless beautiful stars scattered throughout the entire vastness of outer space itself! Yeah! He had to become an astronaut in order to find God.

Maybe Mom will give me permission...

His mother told him that God was invisible and becoming an astronaut wasn't the key to finding him. Maybe he could join the sunday school children and pray at church each week.

And with enough inner devotion perhaps one day God would speak to him. So he smiled and attended church with his dear mother every chance he had in the joy of youthful exuberance and the expectation of finally meeting God one day, hopefully...

But!

Despite praying every Sunday for weeks, he still had not experience God! It had become very frustrating for the young boy.

The young boy was not satisfied with church or the pastor.

He wanted to see God for himself, not just pray and hope for a sign. He also started to wonder if God was really everywhere, as some people said, or if he had a special place where he lived and watched over the entire world.

So, deciding to ask his teacher at school, who seemed to know a lot of things. He waited until the end of the class and approached her with his question.

He innocently asked, "Miss, umm... I mean teacher, where is God?"

The teacher smiled and looked at him with kindness. She knew he was a curious and sincere child who wanted to learn more about the world.

"Well, that's a very good question," she said. "Different people have different beliefs and opinions about God. Some people think he is in heaven, some people think he is in nature, some people think he is in our hearts, and yet some people think he is not real at all."

Some people don't believe in God...

The boy was confused by her answer. He wanted a clear and simple answer, not a bunch of possibilities.

"But where do you think he is?" he pressed on.

The teacher thought for a moment and then said, "I think God is in the good things we do for each other.

"When we are kind, generous, honest, and caring we are showing God's love to the world. And when we are grateful, humble, hopeful, and faithful, we are feeling God's presence in our lives."

The boy nodded slowly. He liked the idea of God being in the good things we do for each other. He remembered how happy he felt when he helped his friend with his homework, or the times he shared his toys with his sister, or after he thanked his parents for providing him with things and love.

He knew how peaceful he always felt admiring the beauty of roses, orchids and other flowers, or as he listened to his favorite song, or upon praying before going to bed.

He realized that maybe he had been looking for God in the wrong places. Maybe he didn't need to see him with his eyes, but with his heart. Maybe he didn't need to find him in a special place, but in every place.

He smiled and thanked his favorite teacher for her answer. There was a warm glow in his chest that made him feel happy and serene.

He decided to stop looking for God and start living for God. Now, he would do more good things for others and appreciate the good things in life. He had to trust that God was always with him, even if he couldn't see him.

He made a commitment to try be a good boy and also a Son and loving, loyal friend and servant of God.


Forever...





© Charles Kemp