God’s Classroom Is Outside: Why Our Kids Need Discovery More Than Devices.
- Johnny Morales
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
A Papa’s Moment of Wonder
One warm afternoon, I took my granddaughter Elliana to the park. The air was alive with color, butterflies fluttering, flowers swaying, and the sunlight shining so strong. It was one of those days where you could almost feel God smiling through His creation.
As we walked, I watched her little eyes light up at every discovery. She stopped to smell flowers, chased after tiny ladybugs, and giggled at the way the breeze moved the leaves. Each new moment brought a sparkle of joy, a pure, unfiltered kind of wonder that only a child can carry.
Then came a moment I’ll never forget. A butterfly circled and gently landed on a nearby flower. She leaned forward, quiet and still, and slowly reached out her hand. To both our amazement, the butterfly allowed her to touch its wings with her fingertips.
For a few seconds, time seemed to pause. She looked up at me, eyes wide, and said, “I touched it”
Right then, I felt the unmistakable presence of God. A child, a butterfly, and a reminder that creation responds to innocence and awe. It was as if the Lord Himself was whispering, “See? This is how I designed you to experience Me — through wonder.”
That small moment... a child touching the wings of a butterfly before it soared away — was worth more than a million memories. It was a glimpse into the Creator’s heart.
Our children don’t just need entertainment; they need discovery. They need open spaces, quiet moments, and opportunities to encounter God’s world for themselves.
That day, watching Elliana explore the beauty of nature, I was reminded again that when we make room for curiosity, we make room for God.
What Science Is Showing Us
Recent studies, including work from the University of Cincinnati and the ABCD Project (which tracks over 10,000 children) are revealing what many parents already sense:
Preschoolers who spend long hours on screens show less development in brain areas tied to language and attention.
Teens and preteens who use social media heavily show subtle changes in regions connected to focus and emotional regulation.
While screens aren’t the enemy, when they replace real-world experiences, children miss opportunities for creativity, connection, and confidence.
“Screens aren’t evil, they just can’t replace the hands-on wonder of God’s creation.”
A Biblical Perspective: Created for Wonder
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1
God designed children to learn through touch, movement, and discovery, not endless scrolling. When a child watches ants march, digs in the dirt, or laughs at a frog in the grass, they are learning in God’s classroom.
Faith invites us to slow down, to look up, step outside, and see what God has already made.
🌳 Outdoor Discovery Ideas for Families
Simple ways to replace screen time with curiosity, joy, and togetherness:
Frog Finder Adventures: Visit a park or pond. Let your child sketch, journal, or take photos of what they discover.
Creation Walks: Choose a “Creation Word” like light, color, or sound and count how many ways you see it in nature.
Garden Gratitude: Plant seeds or herbs together. Talk about how growth takes time and care, just like faith.
Sky Time: Lie on a blanket, watch clouds, and share what shapes or stories you see.
Neighborhood Blessing Walks: Pray for each home you pass. Build compassion and awareness together.
🏡 Indoor Connection & Faith-Building Activities
When it’s cold or dark outside, bring discovery indoors:
Family Devotional Drawing, read a verse and let everyone draw what it means.
Build & Tell: Recreate a Bible story using LEGO or Play-Doh.
Gratitude Jar – Write one blessing per day. Read them weekly.
Faith & Feelings Chats – Ask, “When did you feel brave today?” or “Where did you see God?”
Grandparent Story Night – Invite elders to share stories of faith, resilience, and family.
❤️ Simple Daily Habits to Help Kids Thrive
1 to 2 Hour Outdoors every day (walks, play, or garden time).
Keep Screen Time in Balance
For young children, aim for about one hour a day of quality, shared screen time. For older kids and preteens, keep it around two hours a day of recreational use.
What matters most isn’t the exact number, it’s balance. Make sure screens don’t replace time spent outdoors, moments of discovery, or faith-filled family connection.
Based on current guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and child development research.
Where screens end, wonder begins!
Device Free Meals & Bedtimes, make them sacred connection moments.
Weekly Wonder Moment, one planned activity that sparks gratitude and curiosity.
Pray & Reflect Together, thank God for one discovery each day.
“When we make space for wonder, we’re not just raising smarter kids, we’re raising soaring hearts rooted in faith, curiosity, and love.”
A Final Thought
Our mission isn’t to shame technology, it’s to restore balance and intentionality. Every time a child chooses discovery over distraction, their heart and mind grow stronger.
“Let the little children come to Me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ~ Matthew 19:14
Let’s help our kids and grandkids — see the world through wonder again. One frog, one flower, one family walk at a time.
✨ Bonus for Made to Soar Families
Now Available: Mini Parenting Course, “Discovering Identity & Purpose”
A short, interactive, faith-based course designed to help parents, grandparents, and caregivers nurture identity, confidence, and purpose in their children — inspired by The Chicken and the Eagle. (Order your copy here)
Special Beta Launch Invitation: As part of our Made to Soar community, you’re invited to join the Beta Test and receive the Discounted enrollment for only $3.99! (limited time only)
This beta version includes:
Faith-based insights with Scripture reflections
Parent connection prompts for daily conversations
Family discovery activities to build love and trust
Prayer moments to strengthen faith together
Certificate of Completion for every participant
Your feedback will help us shape the final course so more families can experience God’s design for identity and purpose.
👉 Visit www.MadeToSoar.net → Enroll in the Mini Parenting Course (Beta Test) and share your feedback as part of our Made to Soar community!
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