Lexi Shipp is a passionate writer, speaker, and Bible teacher. With a Bachelors in Religion and Masters in Human Services Counseling, both specified in Christian Ministry, Lexi loves serving alongside her husband doing Next Gen Ministry. Working with middle and high school girls for years, she has a heart for connecting all generations of women and championing the next generation for the cause of Christ – starting within her own home as a mom. Lexi serves as a regular LifeWay Girls blogger and the Communications Team Lead for the SBC of Virginia’s Women’s Ministry. To read more of Lexi’s writings or to book her as a speaker, connect with her on Instagram @alexisleeshipp.
This is part three of a 3 part series on engaging kids during the summer. In part 1 we examined the ocean, in part two we discussed butterflies, and finally in part 3 we will look at thunder and lightning.
I will never forget an infamous trip to South Carolina one summer years ago…there was a moment, carrying luggage up a flight of outdoor stairs, where my liquid eyeliner (which was absolutely on trend at the time) began to legitimately melt down my face. My eyes welled up and spilled out tears as a crippling burning sensation caused by the black “paint” surrounding them left me helpless; heat enveloped me. Humidity wrapped around me as though it was my predator.
One thing about summer–especially summer in the south–is that ,in addition to heat and humidity, you will encounter frequent thunderstorms.
Today, in our final installment of our three-part series on how to engage your kids this summer, this is what we are discussing! There are 3 main points we want to hit on: Rain (God’s provision), Thunder (Fear/God’s power), the Rainbow (God’s promise).
Here is the breakdown for communicating these truths to the child in your life:
Rain: Discuss how the plants need water to survive and God gives them exactly what they need. God knows what they need (He created them, of course He does!) and He provides them with what they need. (This exemplifies God’s provision – He does the same for us! An additional point, especially if the child is wrestling with a fear of storms, is that while it may appear scary, it is actually God’s provision. This can also be true of our own circumstances. Deuteronomy 11:14)
Optional activity: Make a handprint flower with washable paint and include fingerprint raindrops.
Thunder and Lightning: Address any potential fear and discuss how thunderstorms display God’s power. Just imagine…if thunder is that loud, and God is bigger than thunder and in control of thunder, how big must God be? We cannot even imagine! God created thunder and lightning and He is fully in control of it. God is so big and powerful! (Psalms 135:7, Matthew 8:27)
Optional activity: Research the science behind the cause and effect of lightning and thunder. Have the child make a rolling thunder noise with their hands on a hard surface.
Rainbow: Sometimes, after a thunderstorm, you will see a rainbow. Not only does God provide for us and is all-powerful over everything, He is faithful to keep His promises. (Genesis 9:13) The greatest promise that God has kept is Jesus (Genesis 3:15), and we look forward to the promise of heaven when we place our faith and trust in Him. (John 3:16)
Optional activity: Discuss the colors of the rainbow and have the child draw or paint a rainbow. Have the child verbally name one fear they have out loud. Go to Scripture with the child and find one truth/promise that combats that fear, bringing comfort, and write the Scripture verse underneath the rainbow.
