Pointing Your Family to Jesus in Traditions & Unplanned Moments

     It's Saturday morning. A beam of sunlight sneaks through a crack between the curtains, and my family is up. We head out the door, snug in our hooded sweatshirts and jeans as the crisp fall air hits our lungs. When we arrive, we stand in line for almost an hour. People catch up with old friends as they wait. Everyone is in a good mood, especially considering how early it is. My wife, my son, and I finally reach the front of the line and are rewarded with our prize - a styrofoam plate piled high with sausage links and pumpkin pancakes.

     Year after year, the Morton Pumpkin Festival pancake breakfast is an event we don't miss. This is a tradition years in the making. More than getting a plate full of good food, we go for the memories and connections we make over pancakes. We all have traditions in our families that bring us together. But how can we make the most of those moments to point our families to Jesus?

Traditions

     Your family already has more traditions than you probably realize. Think about how you celebrate holidays. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, 4th of July, Memorial Day - you probably do something special to celebrate these days. What about the different seasons? What family activities do you enjoy during the fall? Summer? Winter? Spring? How does your family commemorate birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, marriages, or other milestones?

     You don't need to completely overhaul your family plans to point to Jesus in the midst of them. Setting aside a moment to pray as a family during your gathering is a natural way to remember God's faithfulness and blessings. For holidays like Christmas and Easter, break out the Bible after your meal and read the Gospel stories. Have a few family members share a memory of a time when the birthday girl reminded them of Jesus. Whatever the event, you can find some new ways to prioritize your family's commitment to become more like Christ.

Unplanned Moments

     Ok, so maybe you have some new ideas to point your family to Jesus in your traditions. But what about all the other days of the year? How can you continue to lead your family in discipleship when it isn't Christmas, Easter, or your kid's birthday?

     There is no app, shortcut, or cheat-sheet to make sure you take advantage of every teachable moment as they come up. Pointing your family to Jesus when those sponteous moments present themselves takes awareness and self-discipline. Commit yourself to look and act - look for ways to turn a mundane situation into a worship experience; act on those impulses and speak up. It may be helpful to set a small goal for yourself. "When I notice a moment to point my daughter to Jesus, I won't shrug it off. I will talk to her about it at least once today!" The more it's on your mind, the more you will notice the Holy Spirit at work around you. God gives you so many chances each day to praise him, all you have to do is pick one!

     As I ate pumpkin pancakes with my family, we thanked God in prayer. We talked about all the joyful people that came together over pancakes, and how the feast we'll have with our Father in heaven will be even more incredible than our delicious fall breakfast. You can leverage the traditions you already have with your family to point them to Jesus - you just have to look for opportunities and act on them!

​Did God Make You a Lion?

From Brad Habegger

     My two daughters are 6 and 4. They're beautiful, funny, smart, and sweet (as I'm sure your kids are, too). And sometimes they roar. Literally and figuratively. One of them went through a phase of going around the house roaring like a lion.

     Which is when it began. When I started asking the question: "Did God make you a lion?" At first it was met with a look of "what-kind-of-question-is-that" and a sheepish reply of "No?" But now it gets more of an eye roll and an annoyed, "No, Daddy." Because they know what's coming next: "Then He didn't make you to roar." (Said with a smile.)

     Or when they're growling unkindness at each other: "Did God make you a bear?" "No, Daddy." "Then He didn't make you to growl." And most commonly, when they’re whining about food, clothes, chores, (you name it): "Did God make you a little puppy? Then He didn't make you to whine."

     But the real purpose of these silly exchanges is the line and truth that follows. "Then He didn't make you to roar… Instead He made you a beautiful, funny and sweet girl." Or, "He made you in His own image." "He made you for the praise of His glory and the joy of all people." "He made you to love. To forgive. To worship. To serve."

     And what started as a teachable moment for my girls also became a look in the mirror for me. I also was not made to roar, growl, or whine at my girls. Instead, I was made to reflect God to them. I was made to love them (unconditionally), train them, guard them, and provide for them. I want to speak God’s truth into my girls’ hearts, but I also want their eyes to see me genuinely living out what I’m saying. When I was at COCUSA, I remember telling the staff, "We can’t expect campers to do what we aren’t doing ourselves." The same is true with parents and children.

     What are some silly (or serious) exchanges that you can turn into teachable moments with your kids? Are there areas in your own life that are inconsistent with what you are saying to your kids? If so, don’t beat yourself up. Take comfort in knowing that God is ready and willing to help you (and your kids). Ask Him to show you what He made you to be.

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Brad Habegger is the Pastor of Children's Ministry at Grace Church in Morton, IL. He served as Executive Director at Camp of Champions USA for over a decade, and is still a great friend and supporter of the organization. Brad enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, playing basketball and tennis, and following the St. Louis Cardinals and college basketball.