Where Your Heart Is.

READ: Jesus told many stories encouraging his followers to consider what was most important in their lives. After he told the story of the rich man who tore down all of his barns, he went on to teach them more about what was most important in life. He reminded them that each one of them was loved completely by God, who cares for them as a loving shepherd cares for every one of their sheep and knows each sheep’s name. Every sheep, no matter how big or small, is loved totally by God, without exception. One time Jesus told his friends, “Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” He explained, saying “What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving.” Jesus knew that when we learn to trust in God’s love for us, what’s most important to us shifts, and we are free to be generous to others. “Where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and the place you end up being,” Jesus told them. (Luke 12:22-40)

WONDER: 
I wonder how the sheep feel when the shepherd calls them by name?
I wonder what things are most important for the sheep? 
I wonder what things they could do without?
I wonder if the sheep have things they could share?
I wonder what things you have that you think are really important?
I wonder what things you have you think are not necessary?

PRAY: Good Shepherd, thank you for knowing us by name and for your tender care for us. Help us to learn to share what we have with others who need our help. Amen.

​EXTEND

• Ask an adult to help you visit the online HungerMap provided by the World Food Program. Explore the map. What places on the map have high or very high prevalence of insufficient food consumption (hunger)? Does anything surprise you? Choose a location and learn more about that place and the food supply challenges it has. How can we help? Visit Week of Compassion’s website and explore how our Disciples of Christ relief ministry is making a difference. Or explore the work of Heifer International.  
• ​Read More written by I.C. Springman and illustrated by Brian Lies. In this thought-provoking picture book, a magpie receives the gift of a marble from a mouse. From that little marble, the magpie begins collecting more and more special items until the magpie has “a bit much…much too much.” When disaster strikes the magpie, mouse, and their friends join together so that there is finally “just enough.”
  I wonder why the mouse gave the magpie the marble?
  I wonder what is the difference between “plenty” and “much too much”?