#1: A View from a Boat!
Over the last few months, my teenage daughter and I have taken up kayaking regularly, as a way to spend time in the sun, on the water, and with each other. We’ve gone several times over the years, but this year, we got serious enough about it to purchase our own kayaks, and have made a point to visit as many local waterways as possible, to enjoy this sport in fresh new ways as often as we can. If you have a teenager, try renting kayaks together. Explore new places, and see your local waterways from a different angle.
One recent adventure took us to a lagoon tucked back behind a well-visited beach area. When we turned the “corner” of the lagoon from the touristy area to the tucked-away area, we found ourselves alone together, no cell phones, no televisions, no computers, no distractions, only reeds and lily pads, sun sparkling on the gently lilting water, and what appeared to be a majestic Sandhill Crane watching us like a, well, a Sandhill Crane. But in the distance the break in the tree line framed a view of the city. The crane turned toward the view, then back at us. This jarring juxtaposition somehow reminded me of part of an incredible psalm of David, found in Psalm 139: 7-10. It says,
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Be in awe of the omnipresence, or the every-where-ness of God. Impart it intentionally. Use a boat, ship, kayak, or canoe trip, whatever is most appropriate for your kiddos’ ages and abilities, to teach this treasured and awe-striking attribute of God.
#2: Bird Watching!
Strategically placed in front of my kitchen windows, birdfeeders help fill the bellies of birds of all kinds, every day. This daily view of God’s colorful, songful little creatures gets me out of bed, and gets me going every morning. Cardinals, blackbirds, sparrows, blue jays, chickadees, robins, doves, and so many more take turns or simultaneously feed on seed. The most amazing ruby-throated hummingbirds sip the sweet nectar of the red feeders in the front of the house. These zippy little beauties just make me smile every time I watch them. But, while I was driving home recently, and not too far from my home, I spotted a Bald Eagle soaring just in front and above me, then landing on a branch of a tree near the road. The people in the car next to me were too busy on their cell phones (including the driver) to notice. At first I just sighed at their cluelessness. But then, I was struck by how much of God’s presence I must miss, though He is ever-near, all because I often am too busy to notice Him. I was reminded of Isaiah 40:31, which says,
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Teach your kiddos to take their eye off of their cell phones and search for their true source of strength and hope. Intentionally use a bird-watching outing to teach this incredible truth from Isaiah, and remind them that God wants them to soar, in His truth, His beauty, and in His majestic, great, great love for them.
#3: People- Watching !
Zoos are great places to teach our children about the habits and habitats of animals. But have you ever gone to the zoo, not for the animals, but to people-watch? Have you watched how children’s faces light up at the sight of a hopping kangaroo, or have you seen their jaws open at the sound of a lion’s roar? Listened to how people talk to one another? Can you guess anything about them by the way they talk? How they dress? What exhibits they pay attention to most? People-watching, when done appropriately, is an incredible experience!
Sometimes, on the Fourth of July, my family and I travel to Niagara Falls to see the fireworks display from the American side of the falls. If you have never done this, I highly recommend it! Caution: It is crowded! My husband and kids love the booming, colorful, fanciful fireworks display there. I love to hear, watch, and try to understand the people around me—people of all races and nationalities, all coming together for a common experience. It takes my breath away. Here’s why: People are created by God… IN HIS IMAGE!! Not some of us, not a select few, but ALL people are created imago dei—in the image of God (See Genesis 1:26-27, and 9:6). But what does that mean? It doesn’t mean we are omnipresent or omniscient like God. But, it does mean that we are capable of compassion, being rational, loving others, loving ourselves, discerning truth, feeling emotions, and knowing fellowship. The best way to improve our outlooks and attitudes toward people, especially those who have hurt us or with whom we disagree, is to intentionally stop and look at them as made in His image, worthy of respect and compassion.
This summer, whether you travel far or staycation near, take the time to teach your kiddos to see people as made in the image of God. Yes, as you people-watch, you will see and hear them make mistakes, even sin. It is, of course, a fallen world. But, let’s teach our kiddos to see others as we are made to see them, through eyes of compassion, empathy, love, forgiveness, truth, mercy, and grace. People-watch! Then watch them again, through a lens of grace.
How else can you teach your kiddos about God while at home or on a nearby staycation adventure? Please share your ideas with us!
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