Peppermint Patty in the Charlie Brown Peanuts strip has always been a favourite of mine.
Here she is down in the dumps. Lying on her arms, depressed, wishing aloud that someone who knows would be with her in her dark night of the soul...
And all the time, next to her, stands the poor Charlie Brown. Christ-like, without a word, he understands her and finally opens his arms to her. To be with her, even though she did not see him as the answer....
He knows....
Schulz never wanted to be sentimental about Christianity. No big deal kicks and easy solutions. His children characters are wonderful illustrations of the spiritual journey. And don't think kids do not know.
They know that faith does not fall from heaven.They know that answers do not always come easily. They also sigh and groan and yearn and yearn.
And sometimes they discover with relief, surprise and joy that the answer is there amidst the dark night of the soul - if one only asks for it and seeks it and yields to it.
Open arms...
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