SA13 - Use Creation to Teach Your Children About Jehovah

In a bustling city nestled between a set of mountains to the west and a picturesque ocean to the east, lived a young boy named Gregory. Lately, Greg had been getting into trouble both at home and in school. Talking back to his teachers, minor verbal squabbles with other students and detention for arriving to class late are only some of the things his parents had been concerned about. His once cheerful demeanor had given way to a brooding attitude, which naturally caused concern for his father, Edward.

Driven by a desire to uncover what was going on, Ed attentively listened to his wife Cindy's plea until he finally gave in, realizing the importance of spending quality time together. Against his initial reservations, Ed reluctantly conceded and made the decision to embark on a long weekend getaway with his son, Greg, in hopes of rebuilding their connection. Opting for a camping trip, they would venture to a serene location far from the allure of their mobile devices, with their habitual dopamine boosts and the relentless chaos of their daily routines.

As Ed prepared for the trip, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety that something bad or unpleasant would happen. At the core of his apprehension was the fact that he wasn't particularly looking forward to spending several uninterrupted days with his son. He feared that Greg would be miserable, and that he himself might struggle to connect with him. After all, Greg became easily annoyed over small things like, the loss of wifi connection or a dead phone battery. Ed wondered how he would react to being unplugged from technology for more than 72 hours? Adding to this, Ed had always been reserved and found it challenging to express his emotions openly, now it appeared that Greg was also developing this same reclusive peculiarity, but he held out hope that this excursion would eventually pay off.

On a bright and sunny morning, Ed and Greg set off for their camping adventure. The further they drove, the quieter their surroundings became, the farther away from the city's hustle and bustle they got. They turned off from the paved asphalt road and slowly drove down an extremely long gravel path. As the car inched forward, the tires rolled cautiously over the rough gravel, emitting a distinct crunchy sound. Disturbed by the weight of the vehicle, the gravel responded with a crack and pop that echoed through the air as they arrived at a secluded spot surrounded by towering pine trees. Ed had done a good job of choosing a site that was void of any signs of people, ensuring they were fully detached from the outside world.

As they settled into their campsite, the silence seemed to amplify their discomfort. Ed and Greg struggled to find common ground, their conversations limited and awkward. The father's heart sank as he feared that his negative thoughts were becoming a reality, realizing that his attempts to bridge the silent, unspoken gap between them had failed. To make matters worse, Greg grudgingly unpacked the car, needing to be told everything to do, from minor things like, unhook the tarp, to closing the passenger door. It was obvious to Ed that Greg was protesting the decision to leave civilization behind.

But despite opposition, they managed to pitch the tent, start a fire and have a bite to eat, all this they accomplished as evening descended and the sky transformed into a canopy of glittering stars. Ed started to whistle the melody to the song, ‘Creation Praises God’, then he started singing the first verse, “Your glory, God, your mighty works abound, in skies above, their praise for you resounds.” He noticed a relaxed look come over Greg's face as their concerns about the dark unknown started to melt away.

Suddenly a loud rustling from the bushes startled them both. Their eyes widened, hearts racing in unison. The once serene wilderness now seemed to harbor secrets, casting long shadows that flickered on their faces, the reflections from the burning campfire. They moved closer together, not completely huddled into one another, but definitely seeking solace in each other's presence. In that moment of shared vulnerability, they realized they weren't alone in their fears and insecurities.

As the rustling of the bushes subsided, they gazed up at the sky, marveling at the vastness of the universe. Ed's voice trembled as he spoke, breaking the silence that had held them captive. He pointed to the stars, reminding his son of the beauty that lay beyond their small troubles. “How far into space can you see?" Greg didn't respond, he just continued to gaze into the sky, with a look of wonderment. Ed continued, "I’m always humbled to realize how insignificant we seem to be when compared with the vastness of the universe.” Ed allowed more silence to slip by, there was no rush, for they had left the frenetic pace of their busy lives behind. He casually spoke of the intricate balance of nature, how it was a testament to the divine hand that had shaped their world. Remarkably, Greg chimed in, cutting his father off, “Dad, just look at those thousands of stars, each one emanating the same vast amounts of energy as our sun. Such power is amazing!” Ed questioned, “Just where does such power come from?" Greg responded, "Jehovah God, he uses his power to sustain all those who do his will, right?”

With each passing hour, their fear dissolved, replaced by a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. They discovered that the darkness they once feared, now held a certain tranquility, a chance to reflect and find solace within themselves.

Days turned into nights, and nights into days, as Ed and Greg embraced the serenity of their surroundings. They hiked through majestic trails, fished in sparkling streams, and shared laughter around a crackling campfire. Ed realized that he and Greg shared so much in common. The bond between father and son grew stronger with each passing moment, their shared experiences forging an unbreakable connection.

When it was time to return home, Ed and Greg packed their belongings, their hearts heavy with the thought of leaving the sense of peace and adventure behind. As they loaded up the car, the quiet desperation was gone. It was evident that something within them had changed. Greg's eyes sparkled with newfound confidence, and Ed's quiet demeanor had softened, replaced by a warmth that radiated from within. They both laughed together.

Arriving home, the rest of the family welcomed them with open arms, marveling at the transformation they witnessed between father and son. The once troubled boy was now more connected to himself and his loved ones. Ed and Greg's journey had not only brought them closer to each other but had also opened their hearts to a deeper connection with Jehovah, recognizing the beauty and wisdom that lay within the world He had created.

And so, as they sat around the dinner table, sharing stories of their time in the wilderness, their hearts overflowed with gratitude. They realized what excellent opportunities exist for recreation when out in the open, surrounded by what Jehovah has made!

Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.