how can god be everywhere?
for the last two years, i've taught 4th and 5th grade sunday school.

two septembers ago, we had our first class. we began the lesson with introductions, and talked about our expectations for the year. we had expectations of the students, and we wanted the students to voice any expectations they had of the class and of their teachers.

katie, a then-4th grader, raised her hand, "so if god created everything, who created god? and how can god be everywhere?"

so i looked at erik, scott, and sarah, the other teachers, and said, "hm, anyone?"
we basically talked to her a little about faith, and how god can be in the trees and the wind. she didn't buy it. then she said, "okay, well when you guys figure it out, will you tell my dad, too?"

now, a year and a half later, she has asked that same question every single class. the classmates groan. we try to get her to acknowledge faith and understand the holy spirit. every sunday.

this girl is one of the most devoted and spiritual 5th graders i know. in fact, she's one of the most devoted and spiritual human beings i know. her insistence to ask questions such as this annoys the hell out of me, but shows that in addressing her doubts, and questioning what she has believed, her faith is years and years and years beyond that of her classmates and her teachers.

i should mention that she always raises her hand, and says, "i have a question! well, it's more of a comment really."