The writing of Dr. Seuss books started at a time when the reading levels in American education were being questioned as literacy was declining. As people started taking notice and seeking ways to turn the decline around, an unexpected author came on the scene: Theodor Seuss Geisel. He was a cartoonist at the time, but upon being challenged to write books for children, and after much hard work, The Cat in the Hat came alive. His books are filled with funny characters that bring important site words alive for children, spurring the imagination and encouraging a love for learning and reading. And I dare say touching the imagination of all ages.
I love watching children as they get excited when they win a game, learn how to write their name, figure out how to put something together, recite a favorite phrase from a book or movie, or a favorite verse. Their eyes light up as they use their imagination in playtime, and they see the beauty in things around us that we often lose sight of as we get older.
Children absorb so much in their young years, so eager to learn! And the foundations for them start as soon as they are born. How important it is to help them build a solid foundation in Jesus, starting to understand who He is, His kindness and truth and love. “I have hidden Your Word in my heart” (Psalm 119:11) happens as soon as we start teaching them. They are never too young to learn.
Unsure where to start? How about Genesis – in the beginning where our Creator & Savior start the story for our existence, establishing foundations and principles for our good, teaching our need for a Savior and the hope and love that is Jesus. And the gospels teach how Jesus came to earth to fulfill the promise of our Savior. What better foundation than to stand on Jesus Christ.
King David knew where truth lies; he wrote about it again and again in the Psalms, understanding that the answer to remaining steadfast in a fallen world is relying on God. We are never too young or too old to keep learning & maturing. May we not get stale and our spiritual literacy decline, for we are a testimony – a city on a hill, a light in the darkness. We celebrate Jesus choosing to go to the cross for our sins, rising again to be our Savior! Invite others to church to learn of God’s grace! Let the world know!