Building God-Awareness Through Wonder and Gratitude
“For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” — Romans 1:20 (ESV)
In our last post, we looked at building gospel foundations early, through simple songs, picture books, and routines that teach toddlers about God’s love and care. In those years, we do most of the talking. Though conversation feels one-sided, these moments are actually sacred training grounds for both parent and child. They hear truth from us, and as we speak of God’s goodness, we learn to see and depend on Him ourselves.
But one day, something begins to stir. As their minds mature, our children start to notice the world with curiosity and delight. A butterfly. A rainbow. A favorite meal. These become perfect doorways to tell them about their Creator.
These are more than teaching moments—they are worship invitations for both parent and child. So how can we help them move from hearing about God to seeing Him at work and growing in wonder?
Seeing the Invisible God
Romans 1:20 tells us that God’s “invisible attributes” are “clearly perceived” through the world He made. This is what theologians call general revelation—God revealing Himself through creation, conscience, kindness, and beauty. Every sunrise and every act of goodness tells us something true about His nature. Even those who don’t know Him feel the pull of majesty and design, because creation itself proclaims His glory.
Yet sin blinds us to what should be obvious. Romans 1 goes on to say that though humanity sees His works, we “suppress the truth.” We need the Spirit to open our eyes—and that includes our children. This is why God entrusts parents with the joy of pointing out His fingerprints in daily life. Because we have seen His light, we can help our children see it too.
Unlike many adults, children are naturally open to believing in an invisible God. Our role is to guide their wonder, helping them connect what they see and enjoy with the One who made it. When the sun rises, remind them of God’s faithfulness. When you stand by the ocean, speak of His power. When you gaze at the stars, recall His vastness. When you delight in His colorful creatures, celebrate His beauty and creativity.
Our children, though small, are image-bearers like us. They can perceive, feel awe, and respond to goodness. So when they stop to watch a caterpillar inch across the sidewalk or marvel at a rainbow, don’t rush past. Join them. Use your words to connect what they see to the personal, good, and generous God who rules it all.
Still, general revelation alone cannot save. Creation points to God’s power and kindness, but only Scripture tells us of His mercy. So as we enjoy His world, we must also connect it to the Word we’ve been planting in their hearts, praying that the Spirit will awaken true faith.
Recognizing Signs of Growing Awareness
In the busyness of life, it’s easy to miss the subtle ways our children grow in their awareness of God. Besides wonder at creation, look for these signs:
Empathy and Delight: When your child comforts a sibling or laughs with joy, they reflect God’s relational image. Celebrate this! Their empathy and delight mirror the compassion and joy of a God who delights to do good.
Thankfulness: Gratitude signals an awakening heart to the kindness of Someone greater. When they say “thank you,” point them to the generosity of God behind every gift.
Cause and Purpose Thinking: The endless “Why?” stage reveals a God-given longing for meaning. Even when you don’t know the answer, say so humbly. Then seek answers together, modeling a faith that’s curious and dependent.
Moral Intuition: Cries of “That’s not fair!” show conscience at work. Affirm their sense of justice and connect it to God’s character. He cares about fairness and hates sin because it harms others.
Each of these moments invites us to praise God for the wonder He’s placed in our children and to keep sowing truth that prepares their hearts for understanding His grace. Daily life becomes a classroom of worship when we slow down enough to notice. A parent’s attentiveness teaches a child that the world is full of divine meaning.
So slow down and enjoy these early childhood years. Pause to admire beauty together. Acknowledge God’s small mercies. Speak of His care in meals, laughter, rest, and relationships. Above all, pray that the Spirit will use your faithful words to plant truth in hearts still awakening.
Over time, these seeds of truth form categories of goodness, gratitude, and grace that the Spirit can use to bring saving faith. When children realize they love a good God but struggle to obey Him, they are ready to hear of Christ’s mercy.
Encouraging Parents to See God Themselves
If you’re wondering how to begin, start simply by abiding in Christ yourself. Parenting that points to God begins with parents who see Him at work in their lives first. Step outside. Notice His handiwork. (A walk with your kids counts too!) Reflect on Romans 1:20 and ask: What does this show me about God’s power, wisdom, or care? Make space to rest, paying attention to the many ways He has blessed you.
If you’ve gone numb to His beauty, confess it. Ask Him to reawaken your awareness and thank Him when He does. Record moments of gratitude in a journal or keep a family list on your refrigerator.
As we awaken to His presence, our hearts soften and our homes become places of worship. Let these early years of awe and wonder reawaken your own joy and gratitude—the very qualities you long to see in your children.
Their wonder in creation becomes a doorway to conscience, a step closer to seeing their need for grace. As their awareness of His goodness grows, they begin to realize that this good world runs by good rules given by a good God. And that awakening of conscience prepares their hearts for moral awareness—and the gospel.
