A Prayer for a Family Staycation

God of Joy,

There are times to travel
and times to stay put,
and this week we are choosing
to enjoy what we have right
here at home.

Lord, would you protect our hearts
from being envious of those
whose spring breaks take them
on more exciting adventures?

There is so much delight
to be found right here
in our own backyard,
so many small miracles
we miss when we
don’t take time to explore.

Father, would you lead us to
new places of discovery nearby?
New parks to roam,
new paths to hike,
new bookstores or
libraries to burrow into
and lose track of time.

May our kids’ boredom become a
doorway to creativity and imagination,
a chance for them to try new things
rather than zone out.

We ask for moments
of silliness and delight,
of true rest and connection,
remembering that
the bonds we build
while our kids are young
will result in a mutual trust
as they get older.

Bless our time at home, Lord,
and may our hearts stay open
to experience the simple joys
of being together.

Amen.

Family Connection Moment

Open up a maps app and make a list of parks or green spaces in your area you have never been to. Try out as many new parks as you can, turning it into a fun challenge for your family to do together.