I was just discussing this with some friends yesterday! We went to a mass βnot a real one, an Episcopalian one (I'm allowed to make this joke as an Episcopalian!!!)β and Kizzy sat relatively still and quiet for it; and people raved! I actually didn't know this was a lot to ask of a child; I don't know much about children or family life (or really anything), so the first time we went to a church, I told her: "It's considered rude to make noise or move around during these services; they're important, and it's just a little while each week. I know it's boring for a child. My advice would be to look around at the windows and the decorations, many of which have stories in them, and daydream and think about God and the world and so on. Some of what's said may be interesting, and the music should be beautiful too."
And she just seemed to take all that as a given. I have no doubt that part of this is that she's effectively an only child βher brother was just born, and she'll be 4 this yearβ so there are none of the many energetic resonances that siblings generate in these moments, and she has a lot of attention on her. No one has taught her yet just how weak our regime is; she'll figure that out and teach her brother soon, I'm sure.
I used to be a vet. tech and the vet I worked for would always say: "Dogs only teach other dogs how to misbehave." I think Kizzy is going to be HYPED when we lose / she realized we never had the Mandate of Heaven.
Wow! Thank you for this post. I'm actually preaching on Psalm 8 in a week or so. I'm held by the thought that God can draw forth praise from the youngest of His children. I believe that what you've described in this article is not only true, but empowering for all who know of God's faithful provision for the humble and submissive to His goodness. Peace
What a beautiful scene to witness, the young ones talking to the younger ones about Jesus! Let us indeed pass on the faith, for even the little ones do.
I was just discussing this with some friends yesterday! We went to a mass βnot a real one, an Episcopalian one (I'm allowed to make this joke as an Episcopalian!!!)β and Kizzy sat relatively still and quiet for it; and people raved! I actually didn't know this was a lot to ask of a child; I don't know much about children or family life (or really anything), so the first time we went to a church, I told her: "It's considered rude to make noise or move around during these services; they're important, and it's just a little while each week. I know it's boring for a child. My advice would be to look around at the windows and the decorations, many of which have stories in them, and daydream and think about God and the world and so on. Some of what's said may be interesting, and the music should be beautiful too."
And she just seemed to take all that as a given. I have no doubt that part of this is that she's effectively an only child βher brother was just born, and she'll be 4 this yearβ so there are none of the many energetic resonances that siblings generate in these moments, and she has a lot of attention on her. No one has taught her yet just how weak our regime is; she'll figure that out and teach her brother soon, I'm sure.
Thanks for sharing a beautiful story!
"No one has taught her yet just how weak our regime is" LOL
I used to be a vet. tech and the vet I worked for would always say: "Dogs only teach other dogs how to misbehave." I think Kizzy is going to be HYPED when we lose / she realized we never had the Mandate of Heaven.
Wow! Thank you for this post. I'm actually preaching on Psalm 8 in a week or so. I'm held by the thought that God can draw forth praise from the youngest of His children. I believe that what you've described in this article is not only true, but empowering for all who know of God's faithful provision for the humble and submissive to His goodness. Peace
So true! My children really speak Truth into our family regularly I can absolutely see God revealing Himself through them. Thanks for reading!!
What a beautiful scene to witness, the young ones talking to the younger ones about Jesus! Let us indeed pass on the faith, for even the little ones do.
Crayons on those hard pews; my younger brother and I's early art class!