Do This
Give everyone a napkin/Post-It/paper and a pen or pencil.
Say This
I’m going to show a video clip from a movie. I want you to watch and think of one word that describes the family in the clip.
Watch This
Say This
OK…write down one word you think describes this family. (Give time and then go one-by-one around the table to share answers. As everyone shares, you’re looking for anything that connects to busyness. You need to write “Busy” on your paper in case no one else does.)
Say This
I think this family is a very BUSY family. They have a lot going on and a lot of people to manage. OK, next activity. I’m going to ask a question and the answer is a number between one and 10. I want you to answer by holding up your fingers. Listen carefully to everything I’m going to say BEFORE you answer. Does everyone understand?
Ask This
On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being not at all and 10 being very much, how busy is our family? (you may have to coach any little ones through this exercise.)
Say This
Let’s talk about your answer. Tell us why you think your number is the best answer. (Allow time for discussion about your family schedule and flow. If you have some consistent high numbers, say 7+, make a list of all the things that keep you busy.)
Ask This
Do you think God is happy with a crazy-busy life? (Allow for answers.)
Say This
I want to read a few Bible verses and revisit this question.
- Read Romans 12:2. Share: To conform to something is to be the same as. This verse tells us to not be the same as everybody else and be different. When we are getting super busy do you think we are the same as or different from other families?
- Read Mark 6:7,30-31 (in verse 7, stop reading after “two by two”). Share: The disciples have returned from a field trip by themselves and Jesus wants to hear about it, but they are so busy they can’t even stop to eat dinner. What did Jesus tell them to do? (read it again if needed)
- Read Luke 10:38-42. Share: These were two sisters, but two different priorities. What was Martha (Stewart
) concerned about? What was Mary concerned about? Which one did Jesus say was most important?
Guided Discussion
Let me ask again, do you think God is happy with a crazy-busy life? Does this mean we need to stop everything we are doing? How can being super busy affect our relationships with each other? How can it affect our relationship with God? Do you think God would rather us be busy and get stuff done or enjoy life a little slower? If we are busy, what would we need to change in order to slow down? How can we help each other slow down? How can we help our family slow down?
Do This
Tell everyone to turn their napkin/Post-It/paper over and take 30 seconds to write one thing they can do to help the family slow down over the next 7 days. After 30 seconds, let everyone share their answers.
Pray This
Lord, Jesus, we want to be a family who enjoys our days, not rushes past them. Please help us to do those things that will help us slow down and enjoy our family and our time with you.