Solomon, my five-year-old, gets upset by things that don’t follow the rules of cause-and-effect. Whenever he comes across something that doesn’t seem quite right, he furrows his brow and demands an answer. So when Faith, a classmate of his, was diagnosed with leukemia, Solomon tried to make sense of it all. “Why did this happen?” “Why is Faith too tired to play?” “Why did she lose her curls?” “Will she die?” “Will I die?” “Will you die?” “When will we die?” “Does dying hurt?”

At that moment I longed for the innocent “What’s that?” of Solomon’s toddler years. How could I explain that I had no idea why Faith was sick, that sometimes bad things happen for reasons we can’t explain? Instead, I found myself hugging Solomon tightly and being thankful that he was in my arms and healthy.

“Why are you crying, Mommy?” Solomon asked.

“I don’t know,” I said. “I don’t know why Faith got leukemia. I don’t think anyone knows.”

Solomon’s face perked up. “Mommy, I know who knows.”

“Who?” I asked.

“God. God knows everything. He’s got a plan.”

“You’re right,” I said.

“But, Mommy, how can we figure it out? How can we know the plan?”

“I don’t think we can. But we can pray for Faith and her family.”

“Oh, okay,” he said. “I have another question.”

“Okay.”

“How come the teacher never picks me to be line leader?”

I’m happy to say that Faith is doing well. Her leukemia is in remission. Her curls have grown back, her energy and smiles have returned. Aptly named, Faith has filled us all with hope and gratitude.

Dear Lord, when there are no answers, let me always trust Your plan.