2009 is now here. And what of it? Before we know it, it too will be gone. Regardless of external circumstances, we have 12 months to determine whether 2009 will be an important year for us or not. This simple Family Home Evening lesson will help your family make the most of the next nearly-365 days. Time for some FHE Fun!
Opening Song: #266 The Time Is Far Spent
Opening Prayer: By invitation.
Devotional: Make sure everyone in the family has at least one opportunity a month to share a favorite scripture during Family Home Evening. By taking turns, it not only will build the individual, but it will help bring a sweet spirit into the home for each FHE!
Activity:
Items Needed:
- Index cards
- Pens (crayons for young ones)
- Scotch tape
Read the following quote by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin ( Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Life's Lessons Learned,” Ensign, May 2007, 45–47) :
"I have known many great men and women. Although they have different backgrounds, talents, and perspectives, they all have this in common: they work diligently and persistently towards achieving their goals. Create inspiring, noble, and righteous goals that fire your imagination and create excitement in your heart."
Ask the family to think of somebody they feel is great. What characteristics does that individual have? Think of the Savior. What characteristics does He have?
- Pass out two index cards per person (even the young ones). On the first index card, have family members write (or draw pictures of) a trait they desire to have, such as hope, optimism, kindness, patience, or any other inspiring/noble characteristic. Pass out a roll of tape. Invite family members to tape the card in a location they will see for the next 365 days. Remind them that we gravitate towards that which we think of. Therefore, by daily seeing the card, we will more likely begin to notice others with that trait and be more likely drawn towards incorporating that trait into our own lives.
- After everyone has run to tape the card in their own visual place, compliment them on taking action towards becoming great...as mentioned by Elder Wirthlin.
- Then explain that great men and women don't just have characteristics that make them great; they also do things differently to achieve their dreams. Invite the family to take the second index card and write down one goal they'd really like to achieve in 2009 (i.e. "make the basketball team" or "get a new job"). Then have them flip the card over and imagine they already have achieved that goal. What steps did they (in theory) take? Have them brainstorm and quietly write down the specific baby steps required for their personal dream (these can be measured and checked off as actual events). For example, to "make the basketball team", those steps might include things such as:
- Find out when basketball tryouts are
- Talk with the coach and express interest in the team
- Run every week day for 30 minutes
- Practice drills five times a week
- Eat vegetables every day for 120 days
- etc.
Remind the family that goals are nothing more than "achievables" if they are dissected into their smallest possible components. Let the family know: the more detailed the back of their goal card, the easier it will be to document and move toward the goal's success. They too will tape this card next to the other card. Throughout 2009, as each achievable step is completed, they can cross it off. As their progress increases, joy will too as they discover what all great men and women know: worthy goals are worth working towards because they, as Elder Wirthlin stated, "... fire your imagination and create excitement in your heart."
Close by sharing your love for your family and your testimony of why God allows and encourages us to work toward worthy goals.
Closing Song: #52 The Day Dawn is Breaking
Closing Prayer: By invitation.
Refreshments: These Firecracker Cupcakes are an adorable treat, a hit with the kids, and a great way to celebrate the start and promise of a new year!
