A renewed sense of wonder

Towering in the middle of Barcelona is the most amazing architectural church building, the Sagrada Familia that has been under construction for more than 100 years. It was designed by famed Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi. It is truly a magnificent building that should be on everyone’s bucket list to see in their lifetime. The complexity of thought and ingenuity is something that is completely unique and unusual, yet it makes such sense when it is observed firsthand.   

Antoni Gaudi was unable to walk as a child and his mother would carry him out into the fields and place him on the ground as he was growing up.  From this position he used to study nature, the grasses, the flowers, the clouds, the trees etc. He would draw these observations for future reference.   

This formed a love of nature that would guide his path as an artist and architect later in life.  Throughout Barcelona and many parts of Spain, Gaudi’s architecture and mosaic pieces reflect this experience of his early childhood.   

Currently, we are all being asked to change our lives for a short period of time, and I reflected on the story of the Sagrada Familia.  When you are looking for something to do in the coming weeks, there may be the options of watching another Netflix or Stan series, but I encourage you to think differently and take your children out into nature and let them explore an area. 

At first, I am sure they may be a little bored, but as they gain insights, I would expect they engage more and more, especially if you ask them to draw what they see and link their observations together.  Grab a coffee and sit down and watch a sense of wonder and enlightenment fill their minds and stretch them in their understanding. This may take some time, but it will happen. 

We can look at the current restrictions through fear and doubt, or we could embrace them and take the time to build stronger relationships with our family and break some of our bad habits. 

The bible tells us to “FEAR NOT” 365 times.  Once for each day of the year. Please feel free to contact us if you need more ideas on what to do with your children during these circumstances. 

Blessings

Jeff Davis

Executive Head of College


(Images: Sagrada Familia, Sagrada Familia Instagram and Springbrook National Park)