Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is Thy name in all the earth! For Thy magnificence is lifted high above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast Thou perfected praise, because of Thine enemies, to destroy the enemy and avenger. For I will behold the heavens, the works of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast founded.
Psalm 8:1-3
Children, when operating in the way God intended, are simple and full of wonder and love. They have faith, know how to pray, and know God. They do not complicate their relationship with Him with doubts and ego as adults do.
We are blessed to have an Orthodox parish school, Mount Tabor School for the Liberal Arts, where we can pray with the students and openly discuss God and the spiritual life. The students tend to be much more interested in these topics than anything else and end up talking or writing about God frequently, even when the question or assignment is about “something else.” They understand that God is everything and everything comes back to Him.
This series, “Out of the Mouths of Babes,” celebrates the innate God-given wisdom of the children by sharing their words and artwork without comment or interpretation. Their words speak directly to the heart, and the heart is where God is.
Our first post in the series features writings by Sophia Adney, age 6, on the topics of pain, death, and love for God.
Pain is sometimes good. Absolutely, you should love the Lord! In pain you should love the Lord. No being naughty, but be loving.
Good things are for God.
Obedience is from God.
Death is from God for a reason.
Joy and Humility
Humility is something that helps you to be kind, joyful, patient, and humble. The Lord will help you to work on it.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Illustration: St. Mary of Egypt in the desert.
Journal Entry: Holy Tuesday
Love God with all your soul. Don’t listen to the enemy. Why do we go to confession? Is it because we have to? Love Christ as much as you can. Sometimes we do bad things, but God means it for good.
God and the Three
God O God,
There is hope in heaven,
But no glory
In the wild.
The Leaf and God
Leaf O Leaf,
There is no time.
When the wind blows,
You will fly away, away, away.
Then you will fly, fly, fly;
Then you will land,
And be fine,
And have an idea.
Sophia’s work has been posted with the knowledge and permission of her parents.
Comments
7 responses to “Out of the Mouths of Babes: On Pain, Death, and Love for God”
This is precious. By which I mean not only “cute” but also “very valuable.” There is such wisdom in what kids see and understand. I look forward to more poems, pictures, and declarations. “Leaf O Leaf” is pure gold. Thank you, Sophia.
Glory to God!
I follow Fr Turbo’s work on the Royal Path and consequently check on your site.
Reading these couple of poems and aphorism feels like I am reading Saint Silouan at times. Incredibly pure and moving. The parents must be extremely happy to be raising such faithful children.
“Out of the mouth of Babes…”
The connection with St. Silouan is real. Glory to God! Thank you for your support.
Thank God for children, who lead the way to Christ the Good Shepherd!” When When we first began to attend an Orthodox church almost 20 years ago, it was our oldest son who blazed the way for me. He had such enthusiasm for the Church. He could see the Truth so clearly. I am so thankful to God for my sons and my husband, who led me into the Holy Orthodox Church, and now I behold my Beloved Savior in the Fullness of the Faith.
Amen, glory to God! Thank you for your beautiful comment.
It is inspiring to read the children’s thoughts and get a glimpse of their faith walk. Thank you, Sister Glykeria, for walking with them. It is in reading blogs like this that gives we earthly people hope for the future.
Rebecca L Crist