10
A Walk in the Night
Grab
Flashlight
Blanket
Thermos of hot cocoa
Go
Once it is fully dark outside, place your blanket and hot cocoa in a backpack. Make your way to a safe outdoor location together, such as a friend’s rural property, your church’s grounds, or your own backyard. When you arrive, have your daughter turn on the flashlight. Grab the backpack and begin your “Walk in the Night.” Make your way to a good spot to spread your blanket and sit together. Encourage your daughter to walk slowly and hold your hand so she doesn’t trip and fall.
Move quietly so you can listen to the sounds around you. Do you hear any owls or other animals? Is the wind moving through the tree branches? Is there a creek or river close by with water rushing over the rocks? Do you hear cars driving in the distance?
Enjoy drinking the hot cocoa and talking through some of the questions and ideas below.
Grow
Ask your daughter these questions:
Was it scary walking in the dark with only a flashlight to show the way?
What would have happened if we had tried to walk without it?
What would it feel like to be outdoors at night alone instead of together?
Are there sights or sounds we noticed around us tonight that we might have missed if it was daytime?
Did holding her daddy’s hand give your daughter confidence as you went outdoors after dark? Our Father God is always ready to hold our hand, too, as we make our way through life. As the psalmist says, “Your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Ps. 139:10 ESV).
Psalm 27:1 says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” When we feel like we’re in the dark because of troubles we’re going through, we don’t have to be afraid because God shows the way and gives us courage.
The Bible also says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105 ESV). Sometimes we don’t know what to do. We’re confused, sad, or don’t understand why things are happening to us. In times like that we can read the Word of God and find help and wisdom to get through it.
Thank you for being our light in the darkness. Help us to trust you and not be afraid even when we are going through something difficult. Teach us your Word so we have the light of truth in every situation. Thank you for my daughter and this beautiful evening we were able to enjoy together. We love you! Amen.