Dear Moms & Dads,
With my role as a small group leader for high school teens at Canada Youth 2018 beginning on Monday and in the recent aftermath of my eldest’s son’s graduation from high school in addition to the niggling anxiety that neither of my sons will find employment or meaningful volunteer opportunities this summer, I have been doing some reflecting and a lot more praying.
The question that has challenged me is this, “How have I encouraged and facilitated opportunities for my children to grow in God’s word so that they are more likely to choose wisely and know they are never alone in difficult times?” I have especially been thinking of this with all the distressing news of violence and death in our city streets and the upcoming challenges I know my boys will face as they will experience not just disappointment but real struggles in life – rejection, discerning career paths, break ups, job loss, etc.
When my children were younger, bedtime routines made devotional times simpler but as they have become teenagers and schedules have changed, we’ve had to adjust. Often, time in the car has been helpful because I have had snippets of time when I have the kids to myself and don’t have to compete with a cell phone or the radio (these are usually put away and turned off for the first little while or on short trips). However, conversation is not always easy for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, I long for my children to live meaningful and joy-filled lives that I know will come from having a deep faith. So, I try and I pray that the little seeds I attempt to plant, water and shine light upon will take root and blossom into what is strong and vibrant in the power of the Holy Spirit.
This summer, I will endeavour to send a “Summer Family Moment” each week to the families at MHP. I hope you can use them and please feel free to change them to suit the needs of your family because some of the questions will need to be modified according to the age of your child. Also, if you have a child who is resisting “faith” questions, we can still encourage our children to consider the deeper questions of life by reframing them. May God’s wisdom guide you as you walk with your children in faith.
Lastly, I would love to know how I can encourage our families to grow in faith. Please feel free to email me at minister@morningsidehighpark.com with your suggestions and thoughts.
May you have a safe and blessed long week-end,
Janet
Summer Family Moment – Week I
Materials for the weekly summer litany (optional): Pitcher of water, large glass
Summer Litany
Water Pourer: Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters,
Everyone else: the living water from Jesus.
Scripture – John 4:13-14 (GNT)
13 Jesus answered, “Those who drink this water will get thirsty again,
14 but those who drink the water that I will give them will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give them will become in them a spring which will provide them with life-giving water and give them eternal life.”
Prayer
Living God, we thank you for water that quenches our thirst, and gives us life today, tomorrow and eternally.
Help us to learn how to drink from your living water for you are good and generous. Amen.
Questions
- What is your favourite drink?
- When you’re very, very thirsty, does water or pop or juice quench your thirst faster?
- The water Jesus talks about represents something else. The water Jesus talks about is like water that comes from the tap or lake because it can quench our thirst, refresh us on hot days and gives life to all that grows. What do you think Jesus means by “living” water?
- What helps you to grow?