2020, a year that has been a challenge for humankind. A year full of uncertainty, changes, the loss of loved ones, economic losses. A year for which no one was prepared. An uncertain time that we don’t even know how much longer it will last. It has been a time that has confined most of people to be at home, putting our “daily” life on hold. That often makes us feel trapped, lost, and with no idea what to do with our lives and especially with our children. Many of us are filled with anguish, being at home and seeing our little ones anxious because they miss visiting their grandparents, going to play, to the movies, to school. However, we can take this time as a gift made by our Father to reflect, to draw near to Him, to unite us as a family. 2020 may be that time that we can take advantage of to

1. Trust

First of all, we must know and recognize that God is in control. Before we knew this was going to happen, He already did. So, He has a plan in all of this, I would like to know what it is and be able to tell you, but in Jeremiah 29:11, He tells us:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

2. Pray

Pray for your children and with your children.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Our children are His. He loves them more than we can imagine, He created them.

Psalms 100: 3

Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and [a]not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

He knows our needs and those of our children, so it is best to give them to Him.

1 Peter 5: 7

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

3. Play

Play with them. This activity helps both children and adults. You can play outdoor games such as tag, hopscotch; you can also play inside the house hide and seek, board games. They can make up games, be creative. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something academic. Include all of your children, regardless of their age. You can also let them play on their own; they can make up their own games, their own stories.

“Nothing lights up a child’s mind more than playing” Dr. Stuart Brown

Let’s become like them, as it is said in Matthew 18: 3

and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

4. Admire God’s Creation

Admire God’s creation together, go out to see nature, always with your precautions, and depending on your neighborhood. Appreciate the trees, the singing of the birds, the view of the mountains. Look up at the sky. Every day watch how God changes the clouds, even the tones, colors and shapes; and then meditate on Psalm 121

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

5. Devotional

End the day with a family devotional time, where it includes a Biblical reading, I recommend reading the book of Psalms or Proverbs. Especially Psalms 46, Psalms 91, Psalms 121, Psalms 23, Psalms 27, Proverbs 3: 5-7. Pray and sing praises together.

Psalms 119: 162

“I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.

6. Family time

    • Movie Time: watch a movie together, enjoy popcorn, nachos, hotdogs, chocolates, as if you were in a movie theater.
    • Tell stories together, they can even be made up.
    • Tell stories from your childhood to your children.
    • Make up plays
    • Sing / Karaoke, with children’s songs or praises.
    • Sleepovers as a family.
    • Camping, even if it is in your living room.

Psalms 133: 1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Remember we can rest in His Word every day, we do not pass distressed.

Psalms 94:19

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.

I am not saying that you forget the situation we are in, but that the peace of God is upon us.

John 16:33

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

But above all, don’t take your eyes off God.

Hebrews 12: 2-3

looking unto Jesus, the author and]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Etni de Flores
Preschool Teacher, ALP