More than a Wishing Well :

July 17, 2020

by: Anita Isaac MA, LPC/A

As a child I could think of how much I enjoyed coming across wishing wells, or wishing fountains while out with my mother. I can remember the feelings of being overly excited  about putting in my wishful requests for a toy or something fun that I desired to do.  Receiving a coin from my mother’s purse and making my wish while throwing it into the well,  made me feel hopeful that what I had wished for would come true. Often times when my wishes were not fulfilled, I began to think that I didn’t wish hard enough, or maybe I just didn’t I have the right coin. Finding Christ has taught that he is the “right coin” and that having hope is more than just an “ I Wish.”  

What we have experienced as a nation over the past few months has brought many tribulations and disappointments , which has not only had an affect on adults but also children and adolescents. During times as such, how do we teach our children that having hope in Jesus is more that just  making a wish at a wishing well? We have to teach them that to hope in Christ gives them strength . The strength to find resiliency when what they hope for goes unfulfilled, and when they may not always get what they want, that more times than none, God  will bless them with something better. We have to teach them that hope is about trusting that our father will lead and guide  them when they are feeling lost. Therefore ,when faced with adversity, we have to explain to them that it doesn’t mean that their race is over, and that hope would be finding the confidence to jump the hurdle to continue pressing  towards the finish line. Psalm 31:24 says , Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.  In a world where things feel rushed and competitive , we have to teach them that hope is being patient and waiting for what God has promised. 

Maybe you have hope , but find it hard to find the words to teach your child how to find hope in Christ . If you are having trouble, start by teaching them in  their language. For younger children using play would be be a great component and for older children , using creative age appropriate activities would be another.