A note from Randall
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.”- Mr. Rogers
This is a quick note to encourage parents with anxious or frustrated kids today.
If your town is anything like Nashville, schools are closed, everything from basketball games to church services to birthday parties are being cancelled, and kids in some areas are staying away from grandparents and older neighbors they’d usually kiss and hug. This is a strange time, indeed.
My 12-year-old son has had questions and concerns, and I listened. For lots of kids, that’s all they need, plus maybe a hug and some hot chocolate. But kids like my son may need more. Here are three things I told him as we talked.
- You’re right. This is weird. But it’s also familiar – and similar to what we do in our own home when someone is sick. We try not to get too close; we wash our hands a lot, and they get their own spot on the couch for a few days. This strange time is a reminder that humanity is in some ways like a big family – and we are caring for one another by keeping our distance.
- It is sad to miss things, but it’s also an opportunity to rest. Remind them of all the stressful times we often experience running from place to place, and how just like a snowstorm forces us to stop and rest, this is also an unexpected opportunity to read a book or play checkers or go ride your bike.
- We are all in God’s hands, and God is good. Bad things will always happen in the world, just like bad things will continue to happen in our hearts, but God is with us in the middle of it all. And just like kids have to trust their parents sometimes even when they don’t understand, we have to trust God that he is caring for us even now. When I need reassurance that God really does love me and is caring for me, I remember the cross. At the cross, Jesus proved just how deep and wide his love is, and that even sickness or death is no match for our God.
One last thing… Or, actually two things.
First, since we all have kids at home more now then before we thought it would be fun to provide a free episode of The Slugs & Bugs Show until March 30th! In Episode 11, my good buddy Andrew Peterson joins the gang for a camp-in camp-out, so you can watch us all stay inside our place while you stay inside yours!
Second, here’s a link to download “Glory to God” from our Sing the Bible Family Christmas CD. It’s a simple reminder that God is on the throne, and we do not need to be afraid.
You can find both of these through this link.
We’re grateful to be part of your home! Peace be with you today, and always.
-Randall