Fr. Dubay and Exciting Wonder in Children

The healthy, unspoiled child is typically full of life--which is why two- or three-year-olds are more inclined to run than to walk, why some are almost constantly in motion. Closely allied with this trait is their readiness to question and wonder, especially if parents and teachers take the trouble to point out the numberless marvels in all of creation. [...] For example, it takes almost no time to explain and discuss the vein system of a single leaf and what is happening in it, and in every other leaf on this tree--right now. [...] There is no end to examples that can excite wonder in normal children, or in any adult who is still intellectually alive.

As a preparation for meditative prayer parents and teachers should also introduce children to the appreciation of beauty. How? Just invite them to gaze quietly at a sunset for a minute or two in silence and then talk with them about it. How big is the sun? How far away is it? How long does it take the sunlight to get to earth? [...] Or ponder together a tree or flower or carrot or radish. Or study together in a science book or encyclopedia the wonder of a bird's wing. Later on marvel with your offspring about atoms, molecules, living cells, the solar system, our galaxy, the entire universe. You and they come alive. Take the time. This enrichment of your children is more important than eating lunch. [...]

Now what does this all have to do with prayer? A great deal. It is a short step from experiencing wonder, amazement and beauty to praising, thanking, and loving the supreme Artist of it all, who is endless Beauty.

Source: Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M., Prayer Primer (San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 2002), 119-121.