Main point: I can have joy when I do hard things.
Bible story: Ezra and the Rebuilding of the Temple ● Ezra 3:10-13

As a family, read “Ezra and the Rebuilding of the Temple” (Ezra 3:10-13) from a children’s Bible. (CLICK HERE for children’s Bible recommendations.) 

After reading the Bible story, discuss these questions together:

• What happened in the Bible story? (The temple where God’s people met had been destroyed. God’s people decided to rebuild it, but it was going to be a lot of work. But some people started celebrating after the foundation was built!)
• Rebuilding the temple was a lot of hard work, but God’s people had joy. Can you have joy when you do hard things too? (yes)

To view this week’s video curriculum, visit the eKidz YouTube page.

This week, engage in everyday moments to continue the conversation: 

• • Morning Time: When you go into your child’s room, cuddle them and say: “Good morning, (child’s name)! We have some hard things to do today like (e.g., cleaning, getting dressed, etc.), but we can have joy because God loves us!”
  • Cuddle Time: Cuddle with your child and pray: “God, thank You that we can have joy, even when we do hard things. The next time we have to do something hard, like clean up a mess or share with a friend, help us remember that we can have joy while we do it. Thank You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
  • Bath Time: Add small toy blocks to bath time. Tell your child to line blocks along the edge of the tub. When they finish, stop and cheer together. Talk about how a long time ago, God’s people had to rebuild their temple, which was like a church building. Even though it was hard, they stopped and had joy when they saw what they had done.
  • Drive Time: While on the go, take turns naming things that are hard to do. (Ride a bike, tie shoes, share toys, etc.) Talk about how we all have to do hard things sometimes. The good news is that we can have joy when we do hard things, because God loves us!

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