What do you want of God, Roman? It was an imperious question from so small a boy, and was said with a curious blend of humility and demand. I'll know when I face him. Perhaps the answers you seek can't be found in something you can see and touch. Amused, Marcus smiled. You have big thoughts for a small boy. The boy grinned. A shepherd has time to think. Then, my little philosopher, what would you advise? The boy's smile faded. When you face God, remember he is God. I'll remember what he's done, Marcus said coldly. That, too, the boy said almost gently.
In this excerpt, a young boy poses a profound question to Marcus about what he desires from God, mixing humility with a sense of authority. Marcus reacts with amusement, acknowledging the boy’s depth of thought for his age and the notion that understanding God might transcend the physical world. The conversation highlights the boy’s reflective nature, as he claims that shepherds have the luxury of contemplation, suggesting a simplicity yet profound wisdom in his observations.
The dialogue shifts as the boy becomes more serious, emphasizing the importance of remembering God’s nature when facing Him. Marcus’s cold response indicates a complex relationship with faith and memory, pointing towards both the beauty and the challenges of grappling with divine expectations. The boy’s gentle reminder to acknowledge what God has done adds a layer of depth to their exchange, hinting at the complexities of belief and reverence in their lives.
