Why I Created "Doodles of Devotion": Building Faith through Trusting Relationships

I'm excited to share that "Doodles of Devotion" has just released its second issue! This illustrated, one-page, double-sided devotional is crafted for children and their families, aiming to nurture their faith both in church and at home.

The journey began a month ago when I created the first issue for Father's Day, intended for Grace Lutheran Church and School in Malverne. Initially, I referred to it as the Children's Church Bulletin, aiming to distribute it alongside our regular church bulletins. However, I quickly realized it was much more than that; it was a devotional designed for children and their families to dive deeper into the Gospel. With questions for reflection, images to color, and visual puzzles, it became a resource for fostering spiritual engagement.

After completing their First Communion, many children begin to drift away from regular church attendance, a trend that is understandable in today's busy world. With both parents working, children involved in sports and extracurricular activities, and everyone often spending their free moments on screens, it's easy to see how faith can take a back seat.

In this landscape, social media offers endless entertainment and distractions. While it connects us to others, it often leaves us feeling less fulfilled and more anxious. According to Jonathan Haidt, in his book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, the constant barrage of content can contribute to social, sleep, and attention deprivation, leaving us craving genuine connections. This is where tools like the devotional can play a vital role, guiding families back to meaningful spiritual practices amidst the chaos of modern life.

David W. Anderson writes in Shepherd of Souls: Faith Formation Through Trusted Relationships, "If we want Christian children and youth, we need Christian adults who practice the faith with them." This statement resonates deeply with me. We must prioritize meaningful conversations and relationships over screens, teaching our children the value of human connection and community. Faith starts at home through simple time spent together.

In today's issue of "Doodles of Devotion," I illustrated a scene from the Gospel of Luke 10:38-42, when Jesus is at Martha and Mary's home. It is a beautiful reminder that the only thing we really need is a relationship with Christ. And where do we find Christ? In each other, in our loved ones, in our neighbor, in the hungry, and in the suffering. We are the body of Christ.

Every other Sunday, I will distribute copies of the devotional at Grace Lutheran Church and also make it available for free download in my shop. If you are local to Malverne and are looking for a welcoming place to continue your faith journey, you are warmly invited to join us at Grace Lutheran. I hope you’ll use this devotional as a springboard to create moments of togetherness—reading, talking, creating, and simply being present in each other’s lives.

Doodles of Devotion: At the Home of Martha and Mary

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