Children’s Moment: God & Nature Summer Lesson Four

Face to Face

Last week, we got outside and we touched nature. Trees and plants and grass and moss. What did you learn last week?

“Lord, sometimes I get scared–by stuff happening around me, by the news, or just worries of my own. When I do, remind me that You’re always with me and always on my side.” (L. Giglio)

We’re a little past the halfway point of our God and Nature Lessons. Right smack in the middle, I want to offer you something to challenge you. First off, what are you afraid of? Let’s stick with nature for now. Maybe it’s bears. Or bugs. Or spiders. Or monsters. Maybe it’s going too far into the woods. Maybe it’s the dark…

Let’s stay with darkness. Most of us are slightly wary of the dark. Even if we aren’t afraid of the dark itself, those other things we fear might be lurking in the dark where we can’t see them. Darkness. Are you afraid of the dark itself or are you afraid of what the dark is hiding? Is there a difference?

It’s one of the reasons fire is so comforting. It’s warm and cozy. It keeps the dark at bay.

If you can (I know the days are still long right now), but if you are able stay up late enough go outside when it’s dark. If you have siblings, you can go out together, but try to stand apart from one another. As far apart so you can only just see the shadow of one another. If that’s a bit too scary, bring someone with you. This can be done together.

Of course, bring out your parents (I bet they are also a little leery of the dark too). Don’t call or talk to each other or make noises. See what happens as you stand in the dark. Are you afraid? Why? How would it be different if you were completely alone? Would you feel better if you had a small flashlight?

If you have parents who are willing, maybe you can do this on a night when you can have a small backyard campfire. Even better, maybe you can go camping (no pressure, parents). How does it feel to come back to the fire after walking away into the dark? How is this different, or would it be different, when you’re not in a familiar place?

How do you feel about…darkness? Did this exercise change how you feel about darkness?

I’ve made it a bit less scary, by choosing a week that has a full moon to start…if you like, continue to come face to face with the night as the moon shrinks and fades away. How does your experience with night and darkness change as there is less and less moon and more and more darkness?

Again, remember you older kids and parents can join in. ALL of us have our, uh, concerns, about the darkness. Some real…some imagined. Challenge yourself with a touch of the unknown.

To Turn in:

Lastly, draw a picture or write or create in some way that shows what you learned or experienced. What was your favorite part of playing in God’s world this week?

Please share your picture, or writings, or whatever you’ve created with Charlotte or Linda. If you’d like it posted on the bulletin board at Church, let us know. If you can’t get there, we’ll print a copy to hang. If you like, we can share your work on our Facebook Page*.

Have fun exploring God & Nature. Last Week’s Lesson can be found HERE.

Look for next week’s God and Nature Summer Lesson.

*Parent’s Note: please let us know if you’re comfortable with us posting your child’s work on the website, facebook page, or both. Let us know if we may credit your child with their first name.