AUGUST: ABIGAIL'S PEACE PICNIC
In this month’s story, which comes during the time of the kings, Abigail cleverly uses food to make peace between her husband, Nabal, and David. David and his people had come to Nabal’s land on a feast day, which should have meant that they’d be welcomed and fed. But Nabal insulted them and refused to share with strangers. David got angry, and was about to retaliate. But Abigail quickly prepared a feast and brought it to David and his people, making peace. There’s something about eating together that helps us make peace with each other. Often in the Bible, peace and friendship happen over a meal.
Read It I Samuel 25:1-35
Pray It
God, sometimes we forget to welcome strangers, we forget to share what we have. Help us to remember that welcoming is part of peace. Make us generous, as you are generous. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God, sometimes we forget to welcome strangers, we forget to share what we have. Help us to remember that welcoming is part of peace. Make us generous, as you are generous. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Make It
Who might you want to make peace and/or friendship with? Who is a stranger that God is nudging you to welcome? Invite them to join your household in a picnic in your yard or a nearby park. You could make a picnic typical for your family, or if you want to do one more similar to what Abigail puts together, here’s a possible menu:
* Bread
* Grape juice
* Cured meat
* Parched grain (see July's recipe) or trail mix
* Raisins
* Figs or other dried fruit (the Bible says "fig cakes," which are dried and compressed fruit) - or since there is often a lot of fruit in season in August, maybe you want to have fresh fruit.
Involve the Children
Who might you want to make peace and/or friendship with? Who is a stranger that God is nudging you to welcome? Invite them to join your household in a picnic in your yard or a nearby park. You could make a picnic typical for your family, or if you want to do one more similar to what Abigail puts together, here’s a possible menu:
* Bread
* Grape juice
* Cured meat
* Parched grain (see July's recipe) or trail mix
* Raisins
* Figs or other dried fruit (the Bible says "fig cakes," which are dried and compressed fruit) - or since there is often a lot of fruit in season in August, maybe you want to have fresh fruit.
Involve the Children
- Little ones love putting things in containers - let your toddler/young child help pack the picnic basket.
- If you're planning in advance, your child could make an invitation for whomever you're asking to join your peace picnic. (If you've made the arrangements otherwise, your child can just share this card with them when you meet.)
- Let your child(ren) pick the park.
Explore it: A Note from Tami
Getting out of our comfort zones If you are like me, you are likely to feel most comfortable socializing with people with whom you have a lot in common. Use this month’s story to step out of your comfort zone. Is there a child or family with whom you don’t just naturally mesh? Someone that it takes more energy to offer friendship? You might be surprised how rewarding these social interchanges can be for you and your child as well as for the other child/family.
Intergenerational relationships Did you know that September is Intergenerational Awareness Month? It's a global movement that celebrates the benefits of intergenerational relationships while bringing awareness to the importance of closing the gap between generations.
Developing relationships between our children and older adults may take extra energy for us. But the benefits are so worth it! I remember a special day with our adopted grandma. Our family picked her up at the nursing home and took her to the arboretum for a simple picnic. The outdoor setting allowed our daughters to run and play as well as to sit and eat together.
Here are a few suggestions for intergenerational activities: Five intergenerational activities that are fun for everyone
Research demonstrates that Intergenerational Relationships Benefit the Old and the Young
Intergenerational relationships are valuable for us, too! The author of this article shares the benefits that we adults gain from relating with other generations. The Value of Intergenerational Friendships
Getting out of our comfort zones If you are like me, you are likely to feel most comfortable socializing with people with whom you have a lot in common. Use this month’s story to step out of your comfort zone. Is there a child or family with whom you don’t just naturally mesh? Someone that it takes more energy to offer friendship? You might be surprised how rewarding these social interchanges can be for you and your child as well as for the other child/family.
Intergenerational relationships Did you know that September is Intergenerational Awareness Month? It's a global movement that celebrates the benefits of intergenerational relationships while bringing awareness to the importance of closing the gap between generations.
Developing relationships between our children and older adults may take extra energy for us. But the benefits are so worth it! I remember a special day with our adopted grandma. Our family picked her up at the nursing home and took her to the arboretum for a simple picnic. The outdoor setting allowed our daughters to run and play as well as to sit and eat together.
Here are a few suggestions for intergenerational activities: Five intergenerational activities that are fun for everyone
Research demonstrates that Intergenerational Relationships Benefit the Old and the Young
Intergenerational relationships are valuable for us, too! The author of this article shares the benefits that we adults gain from relating with other generations. The Value of Intergenerational Friendships
Help Keep Building Faith Alive!
Building Faith, a ministry of the Mennonite Early Childhood Network, operates on a limited budget funded totally by personal donations.
Would you be willing to donate to keep it going?
A small regular donation of $5.00 or a larger one time contribution would be greatly appreciated. Click below to make a tax deductible contribution to Mennonite Early Childhood Network through the Mennonite Education Agency, our parent organization.
(An anonymous donor is matching contributions right now!)
Building Faith, a ministry of the Mennonite Early Childhood Network, operates on a limited budget funded totally by personal donations.
Would you be willing to donate to keep it going?
A small regular donation of $5.00 or a larger one time contribution would be greatly appreciated. Click below to make a tax deductible contribution to Mennonite Early Childhood Network through the Mennonite Education Agency, our parent organization.
(An anonymous donor is matching contributions right now!)
