Companions on the Move (9/21/2023)

This year I am privileged to serve as catechist, along with my daughter, for a group of 6th graders. The first class, I wrote “Awesome Adventure Companions” on the board and we spoke for some time about the adventure we were hoping to have as we all grew in our faith, hope and love. Yesterday, we focused on the word “companions” and that we are in this together. We discussed how the actions of one affect all. Then we had an activity outside to underscore for the youth that our words and actions matter not just to us but to our companions.

The activity was to have the class of 12 line up. I asked a question. If the class member gave the correct answer for class material covered, the whole line/class took a step forward. If the answer was not correct, no one moved. The goal was to make it to the front of the building for dismissal by the appropriate time. The youth got the message. They are companions to one another on an important journey, and what one does impacts all.

When we reached the end of our game and the spot for dismissal, we paused to end with prayer. I asked the youth what we should pray for together. I was so pleased when the first answer was “for one another.” I silently said, “Thank you, LORD.” And we did, we prayed for each student and their needs at this time by name.

We will continue on our journey. It is an adventure, indeed. I believe it is amazing how the LORD is with us, stirs us, nurtures us, and guides us to unity though we are diverse. I pray that the students will see into the lessons and their application beyond our classroom. I pray that they will recognize Christ’s desire that we all unite, bring our individuals gifts and talents to the group and to the moment, and how awesome that makes the adventure of our journey in, with, through and to the LORD.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.