It’s spring, the season of fresh-smelling grass, birds chirping, daffodils blooming, blue skies, rain showers and warmer temperatures. For some in the United States, spring seems to be taking its time, but I’m committed to deepening faith with my children during this season. Here are a few ideas to encourage family faith formation this spring.
Practice resurrection
Signs of hope abound in the spring. The season of Easter reminds us resurrection didn’t happen once—life always comes from death. Take a walk in your neighborhood and write down all the signs of hope you see: flowers beginning to grow, neighbors talking to one another and green buds on the trees.
Practice remembering your baptism
They say that April showers bring May flowers, but the showers of spring also provide a wonderful opportunity to remember our baptism. Next time it starts to rain, grab some boots and go splashing in puddles with your little ones. Each time you scatter the water, remind each other God loves you and has claimed you as his child.
Take a walk in your neighborhood and write down all the signs of hope you see: flowers beginning to grow, neighbors talking to one another and green buds on the trees.
Practice community at the farmers market
In many areas, spring signals the return of outdoor farmers markets. Go as a family to the nearest one. Plan to get all the ingredients for a meal at the market. Ask the vendors how they grow their produce. Hear how they got into farming and selling their goods at the market. Get to know your farming neighbors and give thanks for food that grew so close to your home.
Practice listening
Venture into nature together and simply sit. Find a spot near water or on a rock. Go into the woods. Locate a field. Now sit. And listen. Close your eyes and hear the Spirit at work in the world through the sounds of nature. After you’ve spent some time alone, come back together as a family and share what you heard. Offer a prayer of thanks for the beauty of creation—all its wondrous sounds.
Practice caring for your neighbors
Who doesn’t love baby animals? Maybe you live near a farm you can visit and learn about different animals. Or go to the library and get some books on animals. Then check out ELCA Good Gifts and decide as a family how you can care for your neighbors around the world by buying chicks, cows, goats or bees.
Practice planting
Start a garden. If you have a space outside, dig up the dirt and decide together what plants to grow. If you don’t have access to land outside, buy a few pots and grow plants inside. Talk about the mystery of small seeds becoming plants that bear fruit. Read the story of creation as you plant your garden and remember it is all good.
Practice breathing
Life is busy. Spring brings outdoor activities, graduations, spring cleaning and lawn mowing. Take time to be present to the Spirit at work in your life. Take deep breaths. Take time each day to stop worrying about what needs to be done. The Spirit comes to us in those quiet moments reminding us that we are enough.
The season of spring just begs for us all to get outside, to experience the richness and newness of the season, to revel in growth and new life, to revel in resurrection. Blessings as you and your family see the signs of God’s beauty in this season!
