Summer is the perfect time to foster bravery in a new way in your kids. Bravery isn't something forceful - we can't make our kids do things they simply do not want to do, even if we know the end result will be the most fun they've ever had. But we can challenge them to do hard things. Why? Because God doesn't call his people to sit back and be comfortable, ignoring challenges and hoping things will work out on their own. God calls us into His story so that we can be part of the great adventure he has laid out for us! Here are a few activities to try:
This activity is hands-on and gets our bodies moving! And you need virtually no supplies except for what is in your house. Use pillows, blankets, toys - whatever you want - to come up with a challenging obstacle course in the house or backyard. Just like Joshua and the Israelites had to trust God one step at a time as they crossed the Jordan River (see the full story in Joshua 3 and 4), your kids will need to complete the obstacle course - one step at a time - without falling into the Jordan River (or if the floor is lava works better, that's fine too!).
Because it's summer, you can even do this in the pool or backyard with a sprinkler. Anything can be an obstacle course with a little imagination and kid-energy!
Pick out a cup, jar, or bowl to make your official “courage jar.” Throughout the week, write down brave moments from each person in your family and place them inside your courage jar. These don't have to be momentous moments of bravery. Things like trying a new food, praying out loud, helping someone, or trying again after failing are all examples of the type of bravery God wants to foster in our hearts, just like Joshua.
At the end of the week, schedule a “Bravery Dinner” and have a special meal that everyone loves, and read all the courage moments together. Ask each person how God was present in each one, and how He helped them be brave throughout the week.
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