Respecting Family Members
By C.S. Bezas

There is beauty all around

When there's love at home...

Thus begins hymn #294, Love at Home. And it is true. There is beauty all around when there is love at home. When home is a sanctuary, a hospital of sorts for the soul's wounds, it feels that all else can be conquered. But remove the "sanctuary" out of home, and life becomes much more challenging, even destructive.

This week's FHE lesson helps address how important it is we build a home that is a "hospital" and "sanctuary of peace" for our family. We build this through respect. Let's teach each one in the family this important principle, but let's do it through some FHE Fun!

FHE FUN!

Opening Hymn: #294 Love at Home

Opening Prayer: By invitation

Devotional: Allow time for spontaneous sharing of testimonies or meaningful spiritual moments. Perhaps a child has finally discovered that prayer works. Perhaps you had an "aha" during last night's scripture study. Whatever the exciting moment, the beginning of FHE is a delightful time to share. It also brings the Spirit and sets the tone for the rest of the Family Home Evening.

Activity:
    Items needed: blindfold

Step 1. Set up an obstacle course around the room. Point out each of the obstacles. Discuss what might happen if a person tripped on any of them.  Explain that during our lives, we each encounter obstacles, but as a family we can help each other through, around, or over each challenge.

Ask for a volunteer to be blindfolded as the "journey-er". Explain that you will carefully lead them through the obstacle maze to the other side of the room. Have a volunteer wait at the end of the obstacle course, ready to give a hug when the "journey-er" arrives.

Once the "journey-er" and the greeter are in their places, blindfold the journey-er. Take him or her by the hand. Carefully lead him around, through, and/or over each of the obstacles, making sure he stays safe — even if it means at times taking him in your arms and securely walking or carrying him in proper directions.

When the first volunteer has arrived in front of the second volunteer, remove the blindfold and allow the waiting family member to give a hug of congratulations to the intrepid "journey-er"!

Step 2. Ask the "journey-er" how it felt to have somebody nearby at all times, helping him through the difficult path. You might want to share with the family how it felt for you to help your loved one through and past danger. Ask the "greeter" how it feels to welcome a loved one who has gone through a difficult time.

Then allow everyone to take a seat. Ask them how this parallels life. Why did God place us in families?

Then ask: How important is respect in a family? How does respect for one another help each other through dangerous times? How does lack of respect hurt our family? How does lack of respect impact each of us in our efforts to make it home to heaven?

Step 3. Scripture Story Moment

Quick Application: After telling the story, share the following thoughts and questions. Even though Saul tried to hurt David, David was still kind. He knew that God had set Saul to be the king. How are we to treat one another, even if the other person forgets to be kind? What kind of family can we build if we each choose kindness —even when the others forget?

Testimony: Share your personal witness of the principle of respect and how it builds a home of safety and refuge for each other.

Closing Song: #308 Love One Another

Closing Prayer: By invitation.

Refreshments: Cinnamon rolls would be a fun treat for this FHE lesson. Just as cinnamon rolls wrap around and around delicious cinnamon and sugar, we can wrap around and around each other and experience the sweetest joys God has for us — the joy of respecting and helping each other toward safety and joy.