Lesson: God's Attention to the Unseen

The purpose of this lesson is to teach the concept that God sees the unseen and appreciates the unappreciated. It also teaches that God created things in creation for us to enjoy and to point us to enjoying Him. As a by-product, it also leaves an impression that God sees the good and bad that go unseen by others.

Object: Medium to large leaf from a tree


On a walk or after playing with your children in the backyard, take a moment (a quiet one, free from distractions) to teach them this quick, simple lesson about God and His attention to what goes unnoticed, unseen, or unappreciated by us.

Take a medium to large leaf from a tree and pass it around, face up. Ask your children if they have ever walked on leaves. Ask them if they have stopped to look at each one. (Of course, the answer is that they have walked on them without noticing or appreciating them.)

Explain that we all do this – we all take things for granted and forget to appreciate them.

Emphasize that God is different! He notices each leaf and He designed it before it grew on the tree.

Now show them the back of the leaf. Point out the beautiful, intricate design of the veins of the leaf. Hold it up to the light. Spend time talking with them about how detailed it is – far more detailed then the prettiest things humans can make.

Then emphasize how God cares about the back of the leaves – the very ones we walk on without noticing or appreciating. He cared about them so much that He purposely hid the prettiest part on the hidden side of the leaf – like a jewel to be found!

End the lesson time with the following:

• The Bible teaches that creation displays God’s glorious nature for us to see – if we are willing to stop and see. He put them there, hoping we would stop and enjoy them. He does this because He loves us.
• Most of the time, these are simple things and taken for granted. But God sees the unseen and unappreciated. He appreciates them – actually, He revels in them!
• He sees what we do – the good and the bad. He appreciates the good things we do, even if no one else does. He enjoys even the simple things we do for others. (Matt. 6:5-7)
• And, He loves it when we stop and appreciate the good things others have done or made – even the backs of leaves!