In several of my posts, I discussed the importance of children having opportunities to be a part of a mixed age, mixed “stage” community that keeps them together with their families. A lot of this centered on how older saints could positively influence children.
The other side of the coin is how children can positively influence the older generations! For them to be a part of this community, they must be valued members within it. We value them by pouring into their lives, and then giving them opportunities to impact others. They can learn how to be a contributing member of the body: givers rather than solely takers. When we are young, we are allowed, even designed, to “take,” but the older we get, the more we should learn to give. If we are not valuing our children enough as members of the body who can make age-appropriate contributions when they are young, then they will not have the opportunity to learn to be contributors when they are older. We all give and take as part of the body, but if we do not teach how to be givers, we will not have any. Creation Journaling is a great way to have children be able to participate in a worship setting and contribute help setting up or cleaning up after the event.
When we allow children to share their thoughts and be validated as followers of Jesus, they can benefit older generations. And, in turn, when we value their thoughts and show that their presence is beneficial to others, then this benefits the children! It is a wonderful cycle of giving and receiving. In Creation Journaling, we recognize simple yet profound truths of the intelligence and care that the Creator God gives to his creation- including us. Whereas there are some “adult only” topics that may be too mature for little ears, any child can discuss and meditate on these truths and take part in a meaningful and uplifting conversation about them.
