Did God Make Superheroes?
By Lydia Rueger
“Mom, did God make Superheroes?” my son Solomon asked me shortly before he turned three. “Well, no,” I said. “Superheroes are pretend. But God made people who can come up with ideas to make superheroes.” He seemed O.K. with this answer, but it got me thinking. If my son were a little older, I might have launched into a longer explanation that would go a little something like this:
“Yes, Solomon, God did make Superheroes. They masquerade as parents and possess powers unfathomable to young children and even many adults. Some have the power to stop naughty behavior with one look. Others can make pain cease with a single hug. Still others have the extraordinary ability to remain calm in the face of screaming, biting and other violent behavior. They possess the wisdom to deliver appropriate punishments with effective results, while still communicating love. They can pick up a toy-scattered room in mere seconds, while it would take a mortal child several hours. They can function for days on little sleep, still providing for the needs of others, while working at other jobs, volunteering and keeping the Super Hero Lair clean. When another parent or child is in trouble, they put their own needs aside and race to the rescue.
Some of these superheroes come from long lines of other amazing heroes that have taught each new generation how to use their powers for good and not evil. Yet, other real-life superheroes do these things by the power of their own free will after being surrounded by the evil forces for most of their lives.
But beware, these superheroes’ powers are easily depleted from the above day-saving activities and must be refueled through time alone, laughter with other superheroes, quality superhero food and drink, hugs, kisses and kind words from others. To not refuel a real-life superhero in this way could lead to chaos of astronomical proportions. Young Solomon, I urge you, don’t let this chaos be unleashed…”
On second thought, maybe he is old enough for this explanation. It’s never too early to start teaching your kids what mom really needs, right?
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