A little child will lead them. — Isaiah 11:6b
Yesterday in church, I sat behind a young family. The children, a brother and sister, were intently drawing pictures throughout the service. One of their pieces you see above, and another you’ll find below.
It struck me that these children were worshipping just as devoutly as their parents or any of us were. Just think of what they were doing:
Profoundly giving thanks. They drew pictures of mommy, daddy, Snickers the dog, and Lucky the cat. People and animals that make the world a safe, nurturing, loving place. Their drawings, easily and naturally, expressed the happiness in their hearts.
Using their talents to create something beautiful. They didn’t hesitate picking up their pens and cutting loose. God had given them the ability to visualize and express what they imagined. They brought into being beautiful pictures of life, inside and outside the home.
Having fun. And they never yawned as they drew. They were enjoying the opportunity to sit down in a beautiful space, surrounded by people who love them, and make things come to life. The feel of the pens, the colors on the paper, the images they made…fun!
I guess you could say that giving thanks, using talents, and having fun should be essential qualities of worship. That’s true. But shouldn’t they also be essential qualities of everyday life?
With the family’s permission, I took these special works of art home, to use for this meditation. Then it struck me that maybe the kids would have liked the parents to have them; mom and dad had mentioned that they put them on the refrigerator. I emailed the parents, and mom said that I should keep them. Her kids want me to put them on our fridge.
That’s where they are now, and that’s where they’ll stay. I need to be reminded daily of what our children teach us.
Wonderful reminder
Nice.
So much joy in reading this! Thank you for the beautiful reminders, Pastor Greg.