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This falls in the "Kids say the darndest things" category.  My son, Layton, says a lot of entertaining things.  Depending on the subject matter, my wife and I either laugh, gasp, blush, or scold.  For this one, we could only stare at each other in amazement, realizing that our five year old voiced a perfect lead-in to one of the most important conversations of his life.

We were driving home from church one Sunday afternoon when Layton said with deep concern, "Dad, it's going to hurt really bad when I die and they put the nails in my hands and feet."

It struck me quickly what a great opening he gave me, maybe too quickly, because I stumbled over the response, trying to get it out.

"Well... I...  You know...  What I mean is..."

I paused and smiled and told him, "Layton you don't have to do that.  Somebody did that for you.  Jesus did, because he loves you."

I puffed out my chest while driving down Stockdale Highway, proud of the milestone conversation we just had.  Silly parents, we think we've accomplished something when it's just getting started.

"Dad?"  Layton asked with a quiver in his voice and wet eyes.  "Did Jesus cry?"

Yikes.

Now I very rarely get emotional (note from the Truth Police, Kevin always gets emotional), but this one got me.  How many of us really get it at five years old, just how much Jesus went through for us?  Sure, we all heard the story at that age.  Jesus died.  Awww, sad.  But then Jesus rose.  Yay!  I never once, at five, thought about what the experience really must have been like.

"Yes, Layton, Jesus cried.  It hurt.  A lot.  That's how much he would do for you because he loves you."

Layton took a big breath and we moved on to a different subject.

I don't know if he will remember that conversation.  My job as a parent is to make sure it is not the last time we have it.  But I certainly know I will never forget it.  In a conversation between a 5 year old and 34 year old, God can speak to both.