WOW

On a recent 'Montessori Notebook' podcast episode, I listened to Muslim Montessori educator/guide Nusaibah Macadam explain that, when parents ask 'How do you teach your children about God... or how do you teach them to pray?' her response profoundly impacted me. She said;

'the nature of the child is that, you know, when they see something amazing they say, "Wow!" you know, that is the prayer. That amazement and appreciation of whatever they have experienced, that is the prayer.'

My child is currently very much in a phase of pointing at anything, though usually something small and saying, 'Wow!' with a huge grin on her face. Often she's pointing out the next, same white flower in a patch in our garden, or a random glistening speck in the asphalt that looks a little different to the rest. But I've been enjoying seeing the wonder and amazement come over her face as she discovers and notices new things in the world around her.

Nusaibah's explanation of the 'Wow!' being a prayer has really challenged me to be present with my girl as she explores and experiences our world. For me, they are ordinary things she's pointing out, but for her, they're brand new. As a result of their newness for her, I need to start seeing these moments as teachable, as opportunities to point her to the Creator through His creation. Even in the everyday sameness of the footpaths we walk, she can find beauty and fascination.

In Matthew 18:3 Jesus was asked a question as to who will be the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven"(NIV).

Though Jesus was talking about being humble and not prideful, I believe this also talks about childlike faith and can extend to childlike appreciation. I believe if we, adults, continue to live life chasing the next high, the next rung on the corporate ladder, or the next best thing, we'll miss the value of heaven. Children don't need ALL the things to enjoy life. Though many, mine included, have many things, I've noticed how content she is playing with a clothes-hanger or wooden spoon. Take a child outside into the garden or park and let them wander. As they do, they begin to wonder and create. They connect with creation and with some guidance from us, connect with our Creator.

Take a moment this weekend to go outside to wander and wonder. Find something to inspire a 'Wow!' from you. May that 'Wow!' be your prayer of connection, appreciation and adoration to God for His creation.

N.