These are unprecedented times. Gathering for church or Sunday school no longer are things to take for granted as a result of the COVID-19 virus that has put the world on hold. Your middle schooler may feel varied emotions as he or she watches online church or spends The Lord’s Day in a different way than he or she would choose to. Kids may miss their church friends and the adult teachers who have become important people in their lives. Give grace as you watch this video together and use it as an opportunity to talk about the virus and its impact. Make sure your middle schooler has access to paper and pens or pencils. Have them write down how the virus, missing school, church, and friends is making them feel today. Take some time to read their paper together and be sure to pray with and for your middle schooler.
Share the following video [2:24]:
Acts of Kindness: Teen starts Zoom Food Deliver to help people at high risk of COVID-19.
- Why do you think this boy, named Trip, is helping others during this difficult time when he still has his own online schooling to worry about as well as his own circumstances related to the virus? (Answers will vary. Note that Trip is putting the needs of others, such as the elderly, before his own needs. That is a great thing to do in hard times, but it isn’t always easy or fun.)
- How might Trip’s actions be considered living on the edge? (Answers will vary. Trip is taking precautions with his health and safety so he will very likely stay safe, but he is still taking a risk as he helps others and is sacrificing his own time to play video games with friends or just relax. Trip is instead choosing to go out and help others less fortunate.)
- Middle schoolers can’t drive yet. In what ways could a middle school student help others during this time of social distancing in the COVID-19 pandemic? (Answers will vary. Invite speculation and contemplation. Some ideas might be: Ride along with someone who can drive and help carry supplies to the door, put pantry food and other staples in a nearby Little Library in the neighborhood. Designate a neighborhood spot like a corner with an interesting rock or tree as a supply area and make signs to distribute letting others know of these supplies. Call friends and use social conferencing technology to see friends and check in on them. Help parents and siblings around the house with chores and homework. There are many ways to live on the edge and stay safe at the same time.)
It isn’t easy right now to be a young person. Remember that everyone in the world is experiencing a similar level of frustration and anxiety about the future. In today’s lesson, you’ll see ways you can live on the edge and obey God. Let’s dig in and learn more.
