Family Experience – September
Choose Your Front Yard Adventure!
Did you ever read those “Choose Your Own Adventure” books as a kid? You know, the ones where you would get to the end of the chapter and then decide whether the main character went aboard the alien space ship that just landed in her front yard or go inside when she heard her mom calling to say supper was ready. Depending on your comfort concerning alien spacecraft the choice may have been easy for you. Maybe not.
The author, R.A. Montgomery said, “There is never a day in which you are not confronted with a choice. Some seemingly small choices can determine the path of the rest of your life. CYOA gave me a vehicle for examining all the impacts of choice.”
I was reminded of these books after our FX Kickoff. This year Family Experience is sending families on a number of adventures or “expeditions.” For September we want our families to “Choose Your Front Yard.”
Remember what Ima said at kickoff? “You already do things outside…this month do those things in your front yard.” Maybe you are that CYOA character who would jump right onto that alien ship and likewise you are already fairly comfortable with your neighbors. Maybe you are the one who ran screaming towards the house for safety. In this case, you can start at level one where Ima mentioned simply saying hi to your neighbors as they pass by you when you are doing your regular family activities in your front yard. Just channel your inner Fred Rogers and simply say, “Hi, neighbor!”
This seemingly small choice of playing a game of catch in your front yard may have a big impact on your neighborhood. It may provide that one moment of connection that leads to a lasting relationship with the people who live next to you! Your neighbors!
This year Family Experience may be a bit different but our goal is the same. At kickoff Pastor Jay reminded us that we are to go and make disciples and that we have a God who radically pursues and loves us. We are to go and love. Pastor Jay mentioned, “You are here because someone likely pursued you – someone engaged you and loved you well.” This year we want our FX Families to love their neighbors well and pursue them.
What you do in your front yard is up to you! Just get out there and take the first step on your adventure.