Since my son is learning to talk he’s been very excited about pointing out things and informing every one what they are. The minute we are out the door he’s pointing “TREE!” “CAR!” “GRASS!” “FLOWER!” etc. if no one responds right away that they too see these things he will continue shouting about them getting louder and more excited until some one replies.
About a month ago I started something new with him. When we go on walks and he’s pointing things out I will ask him “who made that?” and then explain that God made whatever we’re talking about. Eventually he got the idea and we would have conversations that went something like this:
Eli: “FLOWER!”
Me: “yes, that is a flower, who made the flowers?”
Eli: “GUY!!!!” (he can’t quite say “God”. It always comes out “guy”)
Me: “that’s right, God did make the flowers, let’s say “thank you God for making pretty flowers”
Sometimes he would echo my “thank you” and sometimes he would continue playing. We would have this and similar conversations multiple times a day.
Recently we were on a walk and my son saw a tree. Before I could say a word he shouted “TREE! …. GUY!!! ….. THANK YOU!!!!!!”
It was adorable the first time, and I was excited that he was beginning to understand (as much as he can at this age).
Now, it’s not uncommon to hear my son walking around or riding in the car pointing out random things and then shouting his thanks to God.
It’s adorable. And it really has been a wonderful learning experience for me. I can’t honestly say that I walked around thanking God or giving Him glory for trees, and flowers and rocks before. Most of they time I walk around completely unimpressed with the beautiful creation that God has made, and His wonderful creativity and glory in making it. I don’t notice those things. I don’t see them. But my son does. He’s amazed by everything at this age. bugs thrill him, the wind amazes him, and don’t get me started on how much he loves rain! My son in fascinated and in awe of the world. And, as he’s taught that God made the world I think it’s instilling in him a fascination and an awe of God. Watching my boy learn is teaching me to be more thankful, and to be more in awe. To see the world through the eyes of a toddler, to see the beauty of God’s creation and realize that He is far more amazing than anything he has made. It’s been an incredible journey so far.
Once again, I am learning so much from my little boy.
**side note about my son’s love for rain.. The other day we went outside and he looked out and demanded “RAIN!”. then looked at me expectantly, as if I was going to make it rain. I explained that God sent rain, and mommy couldn’t decide when it would rain, but God would send the rain when the time was right. He thought about this for a few minutes, then turned to look out side again and yelled “GUY…. RAIN!”. I couldn’t help but laugh. I guess that counts as his first prayer? ;)
Linked up with some great blogs this week! see my sidebar for the buttons to all these great blogs/link ups!!!
Kate @ Teaching What Is Good says
How precious! I love to see the simple, joyful faith of a child. What a sweet reminder of how our faith should look at times! Thanks for linking this up. I’m always delighted with your posts!!
futurehope says
awww thanks Kate! :)
futurehope says
thanks for sharing your link up with me! I linked up today!!! :)
glad this post was an encouragement to you! :D
Marissa D says
I understand this so much! My oldest went through a period like this, his biggest thrill was the moon and I too used that excitement to point him to the Creator. Children are so great at reminding us how to really be in awe of such amazing creation every day! Glad you linked up so I could stumble over here!
futurehope says
awww that’s so neat that you did that with your son too! :D I’m loving learning to appreciate and be thankful for everything with him. so cool!
Cornerstone Confessions says
You’re welcome and thanks for linking up!
futurehope says
awww that is so sweet that he prays with you like that, we’re still working on getting him to pray before meals. he’s not very patient, so he always tries to grab his food before we’re done praying!
wow! nice to meet another person that married so young! :) I’m headed over to your blog now, thanks for sharing the link with me! :)
Theresa says
That is SO cute!!! What a great way to teach him about God and God’s love! Thank you for linking up!
happymcfamily says
precious.
What Joy Is Mine says
So sweet…the precious heart of a child. I love how you are pointing out God as creator by giving Him the glory in all things created. What a wonderful way to teach your child about the greatness of God. Thank you for sharing at WJIM.
futurehope says
Thanks for the encouragement! :) It’s been so incredible learning with him to be thankful to God and see His greatness in the world around us.