Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

Article Featured By:

Meal Mix-Up

Prep

mins

1

Activity

mins

5

Lessons

mins

3

Laughter can do so much. It can immediately create common ground and often is the best way to take the pressure off any situation. So, get the laughter going while making a meal, too.

* Trigger Warning

Trigger warning: This activity uses both non-edible everyday items in conjunction with food. If your child has suffered trauma in relationship to food and/or nutrition, please proceed with sensitivity and caution.

Activity

Invite your child to help you and together begin gathering all the necessary ingredients.

While the collection of items on the counter grows, begin adding a few random but completely unrelated “ingredients.” Up the absurdness by talking aloud as you do so. “Maybe we’ll need some paper clips… Let’s add some crayons … Oh! I almost forgot the dish soap … .” The more ridiculous, the better. So, really ham it up!

Your child will either howl with laughter or want to correct you. Maybe both! Either way, ask them why not add these items? Ask him or her why these (admittedly out-of-place) “ingredients” shouldn’t be added to the meal? Allow a few minutes for him or her to adequately express and articulate their opinions.

Afterward, agree with your child. It’s difficult to imagine a meal made with all these ridiculous items. It’s impossible! But Jesus can do this with our lives. He can take the challenges, hurt, and pain and turn it into something beautiful—something better than we could ever imagine ourselves.

Anger and unbelievable challenges might seem to tear up a life. It can feel like nothing good will ever come of any of it. Such a mess of stressful stuff can make us feel hopeless. But Jesus can do the impossible. He gives us hope! The ingredients we add to what Jesus can do is patiently waiting and trusting in Him.

After completing this activity, read through the following verse and prayer with your child.

Verse

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for always being with us. Help us to remember that You give us hope even when we’re hurting. You can turn brokenness into something beautiful.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

More from Hope Connect

Smiling boy waving at camera

New Skill Noah

Share this story with your child. Hand motions are provided throughout. Use these – or create your own – to bring the story to life together.

Read More »
Search