What does it mean to be attentive? Attentive means to listen and give all your attention to someone or something. It means paying attention. This can be a very difficult task for a young child! Paying careful attention requires us to focus.
Discussion
In Luke 10: 38-42, read the story of Jesus’ visit to Martha and Mary. Both Mary and Martha loved Jesus. However, only one of them was attentive to Jesus. Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to Him while Martha was busying cleaning and making preparations. She was distracted. Martha was trying to serve Jesus, but all He wanted from her was her attentiveness. He wanted to spend time with Martha and Mary. He did not blame Martha for wanting everything to be in tip top shape for her King, but He did want her to set her priorities straight and put her attention on the thing that mattered most: Jesus.
Discuss the following questions:
- Do we ever get so busy that we forget to put our attention on Jesus?
- If you are talking to someone or telling them a story and they don’t pay attention and listen to your story, how does it make you feel?
- When mom and dad tell you to do (or not do) something, do you pay attention to what they say? Do you listen to their words?
- In what ways, can you show you are paying attention? (eye contact, listening ears, sitting still, asking questions when you don’t understand something.)
Scripture
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. James 1:19
Activity
It’s game day!! Today, play a simple game like Simon Says, Mother May I, or Red Light Green Light. Play some music and dance and when the music stops, FREEZE! These games are designed to make your child listen for instructions. If you have any memory board games, play them! Have fun!
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