Claude Debussy wrote that music was “the space between the notes” and Miles Davis said, “It’s not the notes you play; it’s the notes you don’t play.” These statements suggest that within a piece of music, more important than musical parts, are the rests where we give expression and reflection on what was just heard or played.
The rests give the singer a moment to catch a breath for the next word. These rests also bring moments of intensity and expectations for powerful reflections within the song. These pauses provide opportunities for the music to become written on the hearts of those who listen.
The same can be said in opportunities for family faith moments during a time of rest in the household. It may not be the actual noteworthy Bible Study or Bible Story reading that impacts the faith of a child. But, those ordinary, unexpected quiet pauses in the day may lead to extraordinary growth in family faith as God mixes in the middle of conversations.
God calls us to pause, rest and focus on Him so His Words in motion become embedded in our hearts. Jesus paused to take that moment in time to reach out to the children and the families in the middle of his teaching even when the disciples tried to steer them away. The message for families today is that we need to pause, become like a child, wonder and seek conversation with God and include others on our faith journey. God wants to meet us wherever we are, even in the restful times that we “chill” with one another.
For our families, we can discover those quiet unplanned times, to connect our daily musical rhythms and habits and use times of rest to reflect on how God is working in our lives and to rest in Jesus.
Choose From These Family Faith Ideas that Fit Your Family’s Rest & Rhythms
Family Faith Ideas
Read: Luke 18:15-17. Luke Reading
Read: Mark 10:13-16 Mark Reading
Your family may want to read this story at bedtime or another time such as riding in the car, at breakfast, etc.
Cultivate Faith Talk-The wondering questions enable all ages to see opportunities for new understandings and appreciation of the scriptures with it’s amazing messages instead of reading for information only.
(Preschool-Early Elementary)
- I wonder how the children and parents reacted when Jesus said, “Let them come.” I wonder what you would do?
- I wonder what Jesus said to the children?
- I wonder if they jumped into his lap?
- I wonder if Jesus played a game with the children? (History indicates children played with hoops, rattles, spin tops, jacks, and games such as hopscotch)
(Late Elementary and Older)
- I wonder what he said to the parents? Did he tell them words from Deuteronomy 6:5-9?
- I wonder how the Disciples responded when Jesus rebuked them for keeping the families away? I wonder if they felt embarrassment or anger?
- I wonder if there are characters in your book you are reading who feel left out at times?
- What does having “faith-like-a-child” mean to you?
Family-Faith-In-The Rest (during the week)
Conversation Starters During the Week could begin with these ideas after dinner, when sitting on the porch, when walking the dog, or while reading a book or other quiet moments:
Ideas After Dinner or While on the Porch/While Chillin’ In the Rest
- What was the best and worst part of your day today? Was there anything that happened that made you laugh?
- Who encouraged you today? I wonder how Jesus encouraged the children and parents?
Ideas When Walking/Walking the Dog/Playing a Card Game or Board Game, etc.
- Who do you like to talk with at school or on the phone?
- Was there anyone who seemed to feel left out of the group at school today? Can you explain what happened? If so, what could you do to help them feel wanted and included? How can you make someone new at church feel wanted and included? How is this situation similar to how the families felt when the Disciples tried to keep them away from Jesus because they had little ones?
- I wonder how this verse might remind you of Jesus blessing the children: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”? Romans 15:7 ESV
- After a long walk, take a moment to rest and wonder before getting busy with nightly routines. Did you feel everyone you were with today was equally loved? Why is it important for us to understand that Jesus wants us to include others and treat others as equal and loved in God’s sight? I wonder how we can do this better?
16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
Blessings
Blessings & Prayers (All Ages). Place your hand on your child’s shoulder or hold hands when giving the blessing. They may also repeat this short blessing for you as they place their hand on your shoulder.“You, Lord are my Shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Amen (Amen means “firm” in Hebrew or “so be it”.
Prayer: Dear God, May You, the God of hope fill all of us with all joy and peace as we trust in you so that we will overflow with hope by the power of your Holy Spirit.” Amen. (Adapted from Romans 15:13)
Morning Blessings: “Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God’s love for everyone” (Ephesians 3, The Message)
Any time Blessings:
“May the grace and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Be with you.
(Phillippians 1:2, Reading for July 2, 2022)
“My prayer: that your love
might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight.
Prayers so that you will be able to decide what really matters…”
(Phillippians 1:9-10a, Reading for July 2, 2022)
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”
“I pray the eyes of your heart will have light to see what is the hope of God’s call”
Music For The Message:
