Light To My Path

The autumn leaves are falling thick and heavy around here. Our yard is full of them! Those fall leaves make me want to go on a hike! Not necessarily because I love to hike, but because I love crunching those leaves under my feet!

Here’s a fun outdoor hiking activity to do with your kids–one that will get them thinking about Jesus!

First grab your kids and tell them to go on a scavenger hunt through the house for hiking supplies. Depending on the ages of your kids, you might get some interesting ideas. Lydia would grab her walking stick from Camp Primo. Asa would probably grab a book. Or a stuffed animal.

Once they’ve brought back their goods, talk about what they picked and why (hiking boots for protection? first aid kit just in case? water bottle for hydration?). If they haven’t brought a flashlight, try to lead them to thinking of a flashlight.

Ask them to imagine hiking in the woods in the dark. No moon. No stars. Just darkness. Talk about how hard it would be–you’d be unable to follow the path, you’d get lost, you’d bump your toe on a root, you could even run into a wild animal!

Then explain that our life is kind of like a hike. It’s a big journey. God’s planned this journey for us–He knows the ending. In fact, he’s preparing a place for us right now! But guess what? This world is really dark. Dark with sin. Dark with deception. Dark with distractions.

What kind of flashlight could ever lead us to what God has for us? This is the perfect time to open up the Bible and read Psalm 119:105

Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a light that guides me.

God’s Word is what leads us. The Bible shows us where to go. The Bible gives directions for the life God has for us. But even better? The book of John tells us the Jesus is also called the Word AND the Light. The psalmist knew God’s Word led us like a light. But after Jesus came to earth to be a man, we get to see this scripture in the flesh!

When we follow Jesus, the Word, the Light we will actually SEE and KNOW what God’s plans are for us. Isn’t that what we want for our kids?

Once you’ve had your mini-sermon, take your supplies and head outdoors for a brisk hike! And if your kids are old enough, do it after the sun goes down!

This post was inspired by an old notebook I ran across–it was full of object lessons and other teachings I’d handwritten (!!) when I was a Children’s Pastor. I saw it and thought it would be perfect to do as a family activity. Would you be interested if I shared some of those writings and lessons–and modified them for family use?