Dear Rose Park,
My daughter Winnie loves the Curious George books; I know for a fact she isn’t the only one (right Charlie Duistermars?) but Curious George seems to find a soft spot for a lot of children and adults. Perhaps it’s the innocence of a little monkey, the friendship between he and the man with the yellow hat, or the clever hints to bananas spread throughout the stories. Now I don’t mean to be too dramatic when it comes to a children’s book, but I wonder if one of the reasons so many adore Curious George is because, well he’s curious.
George always seems to find himself in a predicament. Typically, this is because his curiosity seems to get the best of him. Sometimes he’s opening up boxes he shouldn’t, trying to put out fires with the firefighters, or changing the numbers on the big board at the train station. In every book George is always chasing after his own curiosity. George never finds himself in too much danger though and his friend with the yellow hat is always a page away to scoop him up in the nick of time.
Curiosity is a beautiful thing. When we’re curious we ask questions. When we’re curious we simultaneously practice humility. When we’re curious we avoid knee-jerk judgments. When we’re curious we allow our faith and imagination to play. Of course, just like George, our curiosity can get us into trouble if we’re not careful. Sometimes we can be a little too brave (inching towards arrogant or reckless) and lose our footing or morals. Take the younger son in Luke 15; before he was the prodigal son returning home to the arms of his loving father, he was the reckless and foolish son who let his curiosity of his own desires get the best of him.
Despite this truth don’t let the story of the prodigal son scare you into avoiding curiosity. Instead let us embrace all the wondering that God has placed on our hearts and in our minds. Ask the big question. Take the road less traveled that moves toward the narrow gate. Follow Moses to the burning bush. Step out of the boat with Peter. Go to the tomb with Mary Magdalene. Curiosity is a beautiful thing, a true gift from God so run with it and let your faith carry you, but if the road ever veers towards unrighteousness just wait for the friend with the yellow hat, or better yet the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 to lead you home.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark