Creating Rhythms of Health and Wholeness for our Families

There’s a little story in the book of Joshua that I’ve always loved. It’s in Joshua 4, right after the Israelites cross the Jordan River. The first thing God does after this miraculous crossing is ask the Israelites to go back into the Jordan and find 12 stones. Why does God have them do this? Joshua explains…

“We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:6-7 NLT

God is always doing this sort of thing with the Israelites-creating markers to help them remember who they are, and who He is. Feasts and festivals, memorials and traditions, rhythms and habits. And yes…even piles of stones. God did this for the good of his people, and for the good of their children. To keep them connected to each other, to their history, and to their Father.

My family is not the nation of Israel, but we have some things in common with them–we’re messy, and forgetful, and distracted, and we have a knack for complaining. And I find that it can be helpful for us to have some markers along our path as well. Reminders of who we are, and what God has done for us. Rhythms and habits that keep us grounded and centered, and create some calm in the chaos.

We’re not always great at living like this…but when we do, it makes a world of difference. So, as we enter another crazy school year, we want to work at establishing some daily and weekly rhythms that help us better connect with each other, and with God. And we’d love for you to join us on that journey!

This October, BCC is hosting a three-part Parent Lab where we will explore what it looks like to create rhythms of health and wholeness for our families. No matter what stage of parenting you find yourself in, this will be a sweet opportunity for you to find connection and growth. We’ll read and learn together, hear from parents in our BCC community, and encourage each other through storytelling and conversation.

You’re invited to join us starting October 1^st as we spend three weeks building each other up in our parenting. Come discover some healthy habits you can practice with your kids. Come connect with other moms and dads. Come and collect some stones for your family.

To get signed up, visit beaverton.cc/kids.

Peter Holmes