“Girls, go look out the playroom window!” I called as I walked down the stairs one morning last week. Four of my five girls rushed to the window with delight and awe at the pinks, purples, and oranges that filled the sky. In a moment of uncharacteristic silence, four sets of tiny eyes stared, mouths open, but quiet. The colors were wonderful, and the girls were full of wonder.
Like my girls, kids, no matter their age or energy level, are capable of awe and wonder. We tend to think children aren’t capable of any kind of sustained attention, but sometimes we simply need to make more time and space for it. Merriam-Webster defines wonder as “rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one’s experience.” God is most definitely “awesomely mysterious” and more than worthy of our wonder.
Understanding wonder theologically, developmentally, and practically can change how we approach the youngest in our churches.
Biblical Wonder in Early Childhood
In Psalm 19:1, we read, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (NIV). This is what my young girls were experiencing that morning. Once they had words again, the girls gave credit to God by saying, “Look how God used all of our favorite colors.”
While curiosity is an incredible gift that children have in abundance, there wasn’t a single “why” among them. There was silence, peace, and a profound sense of awe. This is wonder.
Wonder in the Word
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1 NIV
God designed us with the capacity for wonder. It is a way to help us experience our smallness in comparison to his grandeur, to humble us, to remind us that we are just one piece of creation, and to encounter God’s majesty. And the beauty of wonder is that it does this without shame or ridicule, but with beauty, gentleness, kindness, and love.
How Wonder Works
In an article entitled “The Science of Wonder,” Dacher Keltner wrote, “Experiences of awe activate the vagus nerve, which wanders from the top of your spinal cord through your throat, heart, lungs, and digestive organs. Awe slows your heart rate, orients your attention toward others, and prompts you to explore and engage with the world.”
No wonder God built it into our DNA. Over time, as our brains develop, they begin to rely on patterns and familiarity, making wonder harder to experience, though not impossible. But for young children, so much of the world is new to them that wonder is more easily experienced. As children’s ministry leaders and Christian parents, we can help kids recognize God in those moments of wonder.
Welcome Wonder
Every church and Christian home can make space for wonder. It doesn’t require any fancy supplies or money.
Offer Time for Wonder
In an effort to make the most of our limited time, we can have the tendency to fill every moment of Sunday morning with purpose and intention. We rush from activity to activity, sometimes fearing that a moment without something planned may lead to chaos.
Instead, plan reflection and response time. If this is new, it may take a few weeks to create a habit that is comfortable for kids, but it will be worth it. Welcome wonder!
Offer Space for Wonder
Adults can also be uncomfortable with questions and not knowing everything. We can talk too much, without even knowing the answers we are talking about.
Instead, when a child asks a deep or thoughtful question, whether you know the answer or not, pause. Think. Then, ask the children what they think. If needed, you can come back and share if you know, but let it be okay if you don’t know the answer too. And try not to explain away the wonder of God, science, miracles, or creation. Welcome wonder!
Offer Silence for Wonder
Finally, as a society, we have grown uncomfortable with silence. We have music in the background constantly. But God can and does work in the stillness and quiet, even with children.
Instead, start building in small moments of silence. After reading the story, before you pray, or during worship. Kids can learn to participate in and enjoy silence. Make sure to do this with grace and flexibility. Silence won’t happen overnight, but it can come. Welcome wonder!
Model Wonder
Wonder is a powerful experience for pointing us to God, no matter our age. As you explore moments of wonder with children, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with wonder as well. And the next time you see a wonderful sunrise, slow down and be filled with wonder.