For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. -Hebrews 4:12
Welcome to Family Faith and Fun Fridays! As the week winds down and I anticipate more family time over the weekend, I often ask God for one good idea that will enable me to bring the Word to life and bring our family together. Usually, the activity overflows out of something the Lord has been teaching me through His Word during the week. I’d like to invite you to join me and my family in the adventure. Sometimes I’ll post things we’ve tried; other times I’ll post an idea in the works. If you’ve got thoughts to add or suggestions on how to adapt or improve the activity, please don’t hesitate to comment. Enjoy!
The May Day Challenge
Last year, I began a new May Day tradition. As May first dawns on Sunday morning, I will once again issue The Secret Giving Challenge. Won’t you join us? May Day is the perfect time to teach children the joy of Matthew 6:3.
Here’s last year’s post as a reminder of how it works:
Yesterday as I read the sixth chapter of Matthew during my morning devotions, I decided Jesus probably loves May Day just like we do! After all, his suggestions for secret giving align well with our first-day of-May fun. “But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything,will reward you.”
-Matthew 6:3
After meditating on that scripture, I decided that this year we would do more than just transform a dozen Styrofoam cups into candy-filled baskets; this year, I would issue my own May Day Challenge. So, this morning as the whole family sat around the breakfast table, I slipped away and placed five brightly-colored baskets on the front step. (I guess I am called away from mealtimes so often to help with potty breaks, change diapers or find another roll of paper towels that no one noticed I’d left the table!) I rang the doorbell, slipped back through the garage door and stepped into the kitchen in time to see the kids dancing about with their personalized May Day baskets in hand.
“Wow! Who left us these?” Hannah wondered aloud.
“These aren’t from the neighbors,” Liz quipped.
After the kids unpacked a few dollar store treasures and a king-sized pack of their favorite candy, they discovered a ten dollar bill wrapped up in a piece of white paper. As they unfolded the paper, the Bruxvoort crew read their challenge:
In the tradition of giving On this first day of May,
Use the money in your basket To brighten someone’s day. Ask the Lord to show you Just who could use a lift, Then bless them with the thrill Of an unexpected gift. But here’s the May Day Challenge: Don’t get caught when you give, For passing blessings on in secret Is the BEST WAY TO LIVE!
I could see the wheels turning as the kids began to think about the challenge set before them. We’ve established May 31 as our deadline for secret giving. I can’t wait to see what the right hands do when their left hands aren’t looking! Of course, if my handful is totally secretive, I may never know!
Today’s Treasure: How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands…They share freely and give generously to those in need. -Psalm 112: 1,9
Fun idea! 🙂 Should have read it sooner but we did enjoy some fun May day secreting around the Topeka area – our kids enjoyed it and so did we!!!! ~Robin
I just added my preschooler to the “challenge” list this year and he’s already brainstorming lots of ideas for his “secret money” as he calls it. So fun to plant the seed and watch God grow it!
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. -Hebrews 4:12 
Fun idea! 🙂 Should have read it sooner but we did enjoy some fun May day secreting around the Topeka area – our kids enjoyed it and so did we!!!!
~Robin
I just added my preschooler to the “challenge” list this year and he’s already brainstorming lots of ideas for his “secret money” as he calls it. So fun to plant the seed and watch God grow it!
What a fun ‘challenge!’ Although our kiddos are still small, I think I will implement this and let it grow as they do. Thanks so much for sharing!