The Well-Being of the Soul

vol.6 page 63

Nurturing the Spiritual Life of a Child

In our journey as parents and educators, we often focus on the development of a child's mind and body, ensuring they are healthy, knowledgeable, and equipped to face the world. But what about their soul—the innermost part of who they are, their true self? Charlotte Mason, in her writings, reminds us that education is not complete if it does not address the soul of a child. This is where their deepest desires, aspirations, and connection to God reside. In fact, it is this very connection to God that gives meaning and purpose to everything else they learn.

Education of the Soul: A Sacred Responsibility

As Mason beautifully describes in *Volume 6*, the soul of a child is not something we can ignore or take lightly. It is a "holy of holies," a sacred place where they perform their priestly functions. We may ask with humility, what can education do for the soul of a child? The answer lies in understanding that the soul's needs go far beyond intellectual knowledge. Children, like adults, long for something infinite. They yearn for a connection that no amount of worldly achievement, power, or knowledge can satisfy. As Mason puts it, "He has an urgent, incessant, irrepressible need of the infinite."

This desire for something greater is evident in the lives of people throughout history—scholars, kings, and even ordinary people have felt a longing that could only be fulfilled by a connection to God. No matter how much they learn or accomplish, it is this divine relationship that brings true fulfillment. Our role, then, is to introduce our children to the God they seek, the Savior in whom they find all help, delight, and loyalty.

The Bible: A Gateway to Knowing God

When we talk about nurturing the soul, there is no greater tool than the Bible. It is through Scripture that children can begin to know God personally. Mason recounts the experience of a young child who described the Bible as "the most interesting book I know." This wasn't a child who had only read a few books; they had been exposed to a wide range of literature, and yet the Bible held a special place in their heart. This is because, as children read and hear the divine words of Scripture, they are not just gaining knowledge; they are encountering God Himself.

This process of spiritual growth is gradual but profound. As children read the Bible and other great works, they begin to see the world in a different light. They grow in knowledge—not just of facts or ideas, but of God's truth. And all other knowledge they gain illuminates and supports this central truth.

Growing in the Knowledge of God

Mason gives a powerful example of how children grow in their understanding of God through literature. She describes a group of thirteen-year-old girls who had just read an essay on the poet George Herbert, including several of his poems. Without any prior knowledge of the material, they narrated what they had read with remarkable accuracy, even paraphrasing the poems using the poet's exact words. This is not just about intellectual understanding—it is a reflection of how great thinkers and their thoughts can illuminate children and help them grow in their knowledge of God.

This growth in spiritual knowledge doesn't happen through lectures or forced explanations. In fact, Mason cautions against this, saying that too much talking, repetition, or enforcement can bore children and deaden their affections. Instead, it is through exposure to great thoughts, whether through Scripture, poetry, or other great works, that children's souls are nurtured and grow.

The Balance of Mind, Body, and Soul

As educators and parents, we must consider the whole child—their body, mind, and soul. While we often focus on the first two, the soul's well-being must be given equal, if not greater, attention. It is not enough to give children knowledge for the sake of knowledge. They must be given the opportunity to know and experience the infinite, to connect with the God who created them and loves them beyond measure.

Charlotte Mason encourages us to think deeply about what kind of education we are offering our children. Is it merely about helping them fit into society, or are we considering their individual capacities and needs? Children need knowledge, but more than that, they need spiritual nourishment. They need to know that they are loved by God, that they have a purpose, and that their ultimate fulfillment comes not from worldly achievements, but from their relationship with Him.

Conclusion: The Infinite Need of the Soul

In our educational efforts, we must never forget the soul. Children are not just minds to be filled or bodies to be trained; they are souls with an urgent need for the infinite. They long for a connection with God, even if they cannot yet express it in those terms. Our responsibility as parents and educators is to guide them towards this connection, to introduce them to the God who fulfills their deepest desires.

By providing them with opportunities to encounter God through Scripture, great literature, and the beauty of creation, we nurture their souls in a way that will sustain them for life. As Mason reminds us, "I want, am made for, and must have a God." Let us be faithful in guiding our children to the One who satisfies the soul.