Devotional
Listening
to the Children
by Jenni Noyes
As a child,
I was shaped by the generations that preceded me. My family,
teachers, church members, community leaders and neighbors gave
me the gift of direction and guidance that helped me to define
my life. They also nurtured me in the life of faith. As I continue
to journey in faith, I seek to share these gifts with children
who seek their own voice and place in this world.
What do you remember seeking as a child? What do you think
children today are seeking for their lives? When I posed these
questions to adults in the congregation I serve, I expected a
variety of responses. Instead, I heard a common theme---children
today are seeking love, guidance, trust and the knowledge that
they are important and they matter.
When I turned my attention to the children in my congregation,
I learned how much they like being children. One young boy surprised
me when he said, "I think an adult is just a person who's
forgotten how to be a kid." In some ways, he may be correct.
When we truly listen to the wisdom of children, we hear voices
filled with boundless curiosity. Children speak with their souls,
yet they are often not seen, heard or believed simply because
they are children.
One adult told me, "Children love us despite ourselves
every day, no matter what. They are prime examples of God's unconditional
love for us." I agree.
No matter their physical or mental abilities or challenges,
children offer themselves to the world each day, in their own
way and at their own pace. They share their innermost joys, concerns,
fears and needs. Yet, our world is often unkind to children.
Not everything in the lives of children today is worthy of celebration;
not everyone cares for the souls of children. But, thank God,
many adults do take the time to teach children that they matter.
We live by faith, trusting that we matter to the Holy One, who
continues to guide each generation. Jesus prayed to God on behalf
of his followers, saying, "As you have sent me into the
world, so I have sent them into the world" (Jn. 17:18).
We too are sent by God to walk with the next generation as faithful
witnesses to the mystery of God's love for us.
Jenni Noyes is a graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological
Seminary and the Christian educator for First Presbyterian Church
in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Gracious God, teacher of the
generations,
guide me to new understandings of your Word
so that I may in turn learn and then care for others.
Create in me the openness to be an instrument of your peace
and a promise for the next generation.
Amen.
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