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The voice of a child

This week’s Thought for the Week comes from Vicky Baker, Pastor for Children and Families at Shoeburyness and Thorpe Bay BC and member of EBA Council.

The Voice of a Child

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of representing the EBA as we discussed the Voice of a Child during the national gathering of the BU Children, Young People and Families Round Table.

The weather was on our side, and the beautiful Staffordshire countryside was illuminated with daffodils. I’m grateful that the meeting wasn’t last week as I imagine the snow might have painted a very different picture!

As we explored the theme of listening to children and young people, one thing became clear, we need to create a space where they can be heard. One of the ways children learn about the world is through play. Play can create an environment where children can be heard, and play can create an environment where children and young people can learn about faith.

On Sunday morning we explored the elements of communion through play. We wondered why this meal was important and what was significant about it. I was surprised by one of the answers, ‘the meal helps us to remember’. Perhaps I wasn’t really expecting a child to say something so significant. Reflecting on this afterwards I realised that we can sometimes dismiss the words of children and young people.

I was reminded of the call of Samuel. In 1 Samuel chapter 3 we hear how God called Samuel, a young child. This reminds us to listen to children, it took Eli a while to realise that God was speaking to Samuel. I wonder if this is sometimes true for us.

We all bring our childhood experiences of God into our adult relationship with Jesus, I wonder how often we create space to listen to that childhood voice and the voice of children today. The dictionary defines ‘listen’ as ‘give one’s attention to a sound’ What sounds are you hearing in this season of Lent?

What are the many voices that children and young people bring? What might you learn about God through the voice of a child or young person? As the children and young people begin their Easter break I invite you to listen, really listen to what they say and ask God to help you hear them from a new perspective.

Please let me know how you get on.