Do you ever picture Jesus playing? That may be an image of him that you have never considered. The Bible does not give us many details about his experiences as a young child, teenager or the years leading to the beginning of his ministry.
I am absolutely certain that he explored his surroundings and discovered the wonder of the Father’s creation. Smelling flowers, touching rocks of every kind, watching the animals, gazing at the stars and sitting in the sun were surely part of his free play.
As a toddler he probably crawled on dirt floors, pulled himself up to Joseph’s carpenter’s bench and even manipulated the tools. With Joseph’s help he gradually learned the trade, but not before he had many chances to discover through play. As a little boy, he may have mimicked Mary in her housekeeping chores or tried to help with the cooking.
Can you see him playing tag or hide and seek with friends ? Shoveling sand and squishing clay? Climbing trees or diving into a pool of water? Running and jumping ? Humming a tune or singing with others? He surely must have created designs in the sand or looked at the clouds for funny animal images. Did he laugh at the silly antics of friends? Or have some of his own?
The point is that Jesus played because that is how children learn. In the awesomeness of his being, he was human. He totally enjoyed life. He must have had opportunities to be curious, use his imagination, develop relationships and grow in the way that was pleasing to his Father. Play was part of that process. Make it essential for your family!
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As the school season begins, many parents are concerned about their child’s progress in the academic world. Will my preschooler know the ABC’s and 1, 2, 3’s? Can a 3rd grader learn multiplication? How will my 6th grader adjust to the routines of middle school? Will my son or daughter graduate? Every caring parent has these kinds of questions. As an involved mom or dad, steps are taken to assist with the process. Study times are set, assignments checked, encouragement is given and efforts are made to communicate with teachers. This usually leads to success!
What about faith development? Since faith is caught more than taught, the best way parents can start is to simply model a Christ-centered life. Tell your own faith story to your child. Pray with them. Read the Bible. Worship together regularly. And have a sense of joy doing it! Also, get them involved with peers through church ministry so friends can grow together. The church is here to be a living partnership between the ministry of the congregation and the ministry of the home. We strive to support and encourage parents and children in knowing Jesus Christ as the living Savior!
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Summer and children just seem to go together! Children are drawn to outdoor activities and the freedom from school schedules offer opportunities to explore, discover, relax and just have fun! It’s also a time that parents can connect with their kids and everyone can experience the simple pleasures and wonders of God’s creation. A mix of planning simple day-trips to spur-of-the-moment activities can create long-lasting memories.
The activity planned is not as important as the communication opportunities it offers.
As this together time is enjoyed, it allows for conversations to happen. This can be the true blessing if lots of listening is involved. Children can get to know the lighter side of their parents’ personalities and then be more willing to hear the words of guidance and care. Parents can appreciate the unique qualities of each child and have a better understanding of his or her needs and concerns. Biking or walking through the park or sitting around a campfire at twilight may be the perfect setting to share God’s word and the blessings of His love. Take time to consider the possibilities for your family and enjoy this season!
Kathy Shea, Children’s Ministry Coordinator
T.J. Bach – “Home sweet home – where each lives for the other and all live for God.”
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