Part 5
We are going to be travelling far, far away from our homes today…
Let’s get started!
1. Breakfast and AWARENESS: How are you feeling today in your body and soul?
Time to really wake up!
Try this: Get into a position where you have plenty of space around you. Stand with your legs and arms wide apart and do some STAR JUMPS, in and out. When you’ve worked up some heat and fast breathing (well done!), stand still and keep your arms stretched out wide to circle like a galaxy of stars.
Think about: How much God loves you. The great and mighty God, who made the heavens and put the stars in place, loves you more than any of these.
Now: Before we start our day, why don’t we pray for his love to touch those who most need it today: those who are sick, sad, or afraid? Maybe you know someone.
Pray for his love to touch them in a unique way.
***
2. Lunch and BIBLE THOUGHT: Genesis 1: 14 - 19 (The Jesus Storybook Bible)
“Hello stars!” God said. “Hello sun! Hello moon!” And whizzing into the darkness came fiery globes, spinning round and round – whirling orange and purple and golden planets. “You’re good,” God said. And they were.
STARS – what are they? Let’s have a look:
‘A fiery globe, spinning round and round…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUyEGpfoACs
This video ‘All about Stars’ gives us a lot of information, but it’s very clearly told, and there are so many beautiful stars to look at too. (I think the parents will enjoy this).
With so many billions of stars out there, people try to recognise and remember them by making pictures like ‘joining the dots’, and then giving them names:
Constellations!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKXBtWHExwQ
While you’re waiting for night time to come, when you can look outside your window, or go into your back garden, and see the stars for yourself, why not download some of these dot-to-dot pictures so you can get to know some of the easier seen star formations better?
https://www.themomentsathome.com/night-sky-dot-to-dot-printable/
All of these stars surrounding us, and some are so, so far away.
Why are they all here?
We do not know.
But this is a moment when we gaze into the greatness of God.
So, hold that moment. And be still.
‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Psalm 46 v 10
***
3. Dinner and DAY’S REFLECTION:
1. What did you like best about learning about the stars today?
2. Now is your chance to look out of the window or go outside and look up. Can you see any stars? (Sometimes even if the sky is still light, you can see the first stars appearing)
3. Gaze at the sky darkening and the stars coming out for as long as you can:
Think about the day that’s just past, and notice how you are feeling. If there is anything worrying you, try to talk about it now to someone who cares. If you’d rather not, then tell it to God, right now.
When you look at the stars we remember that God is powerful and can make wonderful things, but he is also able to be CLOSE BY you: right here, right now.
‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Psalm 46 v 10
And if you still can’t get to sleep – count stars instead of sheep! Imagine God surrounding you with a constellation of his love and care.
***
Some help and support for Parents/Guardians.
Good advice on Talking to your children about the Coronavirus pandemic:
https://mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/talking-to-children
A really great film: ‘Inside Out’, on how to help your children with any anxiety or sadness they may be experiencing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNsTy-j_sQs