Baby Moses and Miriam
Moses was born into a dangerous time. Midwives had been ordered to kill all baby boys born to Hebrew women. Moses’ mother, Jochobed, made a brave and risky choice to try to save his life. Her plan could only work if Moses’ big sister, Miriam, would do her part. Miriam was perfect for the job - not despite being a child but because she was a child. When Moses was placed in his floating basket into the river, Miriam kept watch. When he was pulled from the water by the princess, Miriam bravely stepped forward. She even found a way to reunite Moses with his mother, offering to find a Hebrew woman to nurse the infant. We know who Moses would grow up to be. He was able to grow up and free the people because of the courage of his big sister. Miriam, too, would grow up to be a leader of the people.
In the middle of this pandemic, siblings are perhaps thrown into closer quarters with each other than they are used to. Some parents are noticing greater closeness between siblings. They are learning to solve their problems and conflicts, learning teamwork, and learning to help each other. This story of Moses and Miriam can remind us to look out and care for one another. If the child in your care does not have a sibling, look at this story more through a family lens - how do we as family members care for one another?
In the middle of this pandemic, siblings are perhaps thrown into closer quarters with each other than they are used to. Some parents are noticing greater closeness between siblings. They are learning to solve their problems and conflicts, learning teamwork, and learning to help each other. This story of Moses and Miriam can remind us to look out and care for one another. If the child in your care does not have a sibling, look at this story more through a family lens - how do we as family members care for one another?
Read It: Exodus 1:1-2:10
Exodus 2:4-8 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.... 5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. 7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” 8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother.
Do It: Sibling/Family Care
Caring for others is empowering! At any age, we can offer care. Look at the needs and gifts in your own household. What can you offer each other? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Age 0-2: You are great at giving hugs and smiles. You also remind the rest of us to take a break from work once in a while.
Age 3-5: You can fetch things that others in your household need. You love water play and can wash some dishes (when he was three, our son washed his brother’s bottles) or help with a younger sibling’s bath. You can sing to soothe others. You are a great entertainer.
Age 6-10: You’re becoming a reader and can offer that gift to others. You may be able to watch a younger sibling for a little bit while a caregiver does a project in a different room. You can learn to change diapers and do other basic care. From your growing knowledge, you can teach others (provided they want to be taught).
Consider creating a list of all the ways you can care for each other in your family. Make it a challenge - can you do everything on the list in a week?
Option 2: Act it out! Our family had a great time acting this one out, and the care with which our little boys played the role of Miriam gave us some talking points when it came time to care for each other.
Age 0-2: You are great at giving hugs and smiles. You also remind the rest of us to take a break from work once in a while.
Age 3-5: You can fetch things that others in your household need. You love water play and can wash some dishes (when he was three, our son washed his brother’s bottles) or help with a younger sibling’s bath. You can sing to soothe others. You are a great entertainer.
Age 6-10: You’re becoming a reader and can offer that gift to others. You may be able to watch a younger sibling for a little bit while a caregiver does a project in a different room. You can learn to change diapers and do other basic care. From your growing knowledge, you can teach others (provided they want to be taught).
Consider creating a list of all the ways you can care for each other in your family. Make it a challenge - can you do everything on the list in a week?
Option 2: Act it out! Our family had a great time acting this one out, and the care with which our little boys played the role of Miriam gave us some talking points when it came time to care for each other.
Pray It
God, thank you for placing us in families. Teach us to love each other well. Teach us to care for each other. Amen.
Extra
“This is the story…” is up and running! This all-age, home-based, year-long series is created to provide continuity in faith formation in the midst of this strange time we find ourselves in.
For those days when you all need a little extra encouragement:
5 Ideas to Help Siblings Play Nice
For those days when you all need a little extra encouragement:
5 Ideas to Help Siblings Play Nice
