By Rahela Rajh

Roots of Faith

I grew up in Croatia, in a Catholic family where faith and togetherness were woven into daily life. Love wasn’t spoken only on Sundays – it was lived at the dinner table, in the neighborhood, and in quiet acts of helping one another.

Those roots shaped me, but they also sparked a question: How could I serve children beyond my family, beyond my country?
That question led me to Dubai, a city where nations meet and children brim with potential. Then, COVID struck. Families were locked in, toddlers restless, screens filling the silence. Parents felt lost.

In that moment, God whispered: “Bring hope into their homes.”

The Seed of an Idea

As an early childhood educator with over 20 years of experience, I knew one truth: children do not need expensive toys to thrive. They need presence, connection, and opportunities to play.

I began sharing practical, faith-infused, resourceful play ideas with families:

– A simple bowl of sand became a sensory treasure hunt.

– A cardboard box transformed into a ship sailing toward imaginary shores.

– Everyday spoons, leaves, and stones became tools for discovery.

Each activity came with insight: what the child was learning, how their mind was developing, and how play strengthened the parent-child bond. Parents wrote back amazed: “How did you come up with this? You gave us hope when we felt powerless.”

I realized this was no longer just play—it was God using the ordinary to reveal the extraordinary.

Ordinary Objects, Extraordinary Lessons

Where others see simple household items, I see growth, joy, and learning:

– A spray bottle isn’t just for cleaning—it becomes a gripping tool that strengthens little hands for writing.< - A colander and pipe cleaners become a threading game, building focus, creativity, and fine motor skills.

– A blanket over chairs is suddenly a tent, where imagination flourishes, children solve problems, tell stories, and practice teamwork.

Through this kind of resourceful, sustainable play, children also learn to respect what they have. They reuse, repurpose, and imagine endlessly, discovering that they don’t need brands or gadgets—they can own their play.

These everyday items remind us of a deeper truth: God often uses the smallest, simplest things to teach the greatest lessons. Just as Jesus multiplied loaves and fish, we can transform the ordinary into holy ground for learning and connection.

Why Play Matters in Faith

Play is more than entertainment—it mirrors the heart of our Creator: imaginative, joyful, relational.

– Presence over perfection: Parents show children that love is found in being together, not in fancy toys.

– Wonder over worry: Play nurtures curiosity, resilience, and joy—the qualities that help children grow into faith-filled adults.

– Learning through love: A parent’s encouragement during play becomes a child’s first experience of God’s gentle guidance.

Through resourceful, sustainable play, children internalize lessons about gratitude, creativity, and stewardship. Play isn’t wasted time—it’s sacred space where spirits grow and God’s love takes root.

From Seed to Book

What began as a small offering during lockdown grew into my book, Discovering Joys of Childhood Through Play. My vision: equip first-time parents and new educators with practical tools for meaningful, faith-aligned play—anywhere, anytime.

The message is simple yet radical:

– You don’t need gadgets.

– You don’t need endless supplies.

– You need presence. You need imagination.

– And trust that God works through the simplest things.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I see how God guided every step—my Croatian roots, my move to Dubai, the challenges of a global pandemic. Through play, He whispers to parents and educators: “You already have what you need.”

My prayer is that every reader feels both empowered and challenged:

– What if your home became your child’s classroom?

– What if a walk outside became their science lab?

– What if your presence became their first glimpse of God’s love?

Next time you want to gift a present—gift a PRESENCE.

As the Bible reminds us: “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

About the Author

Rahela Rajh is an early childhood specialist, mentor, and author of Discovering Joys of Childhood Through Play—an interactive guide featuring more than 80 hands-on activities for toddlers and a GESS Education Awards Finalist 2025. With over 20 years of experience, she has explored classrooms and education systems across Europe, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. Rahela believes play is the universal language of childhood, connecting children across the world. Through her work, she empowers parents and educators to nurture children’s growth with presence, creativity, sustainable play, and faith