Who doesn’t love balloons? Well, someone who is allergic to latex… and parents who have to clean them up… and little kids who are scared of them popping… But seriously, who doesn’t love balloons? They are colourful, unpredictable and lots of fun. And, they provide lots of opportunities for some sweet discipleship convos. Here are a couple you might try.
1) Celebrate life
When do balloons most often come out? At birthday parties. Kids know they are a celebration object, so why not chat to them about why we celebrate birthdays? Tell them how God made this person and has given them life. he has made them in his image, and so there is no creature in the universe who is more valuable than this person. God has given this super valuable person more time on this earth! What a great chance to give God thanks for that.
2) God’s celebration
I love having balloons at parties. They are awesome for celebrations. Did you know that Jesus tells us when God loves to celebrate? It’s whenever anyone enters his kingdom!
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7 (Lost Sheep)
In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10 (Lost Coin)
‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ Luke 15:31-32 (Lost Son)
God celebrates whenever a sinner repents and comes back home. He loves the world so much that he sent his Son to die for sinners. So of course he’s stoked. The question, “what do you reckon God would celebrate?” is a sweet lead in to a discussion on this.
3) Things don’t last
There are few sadder things to a kid than a popped balloon, or that moment when the grip on a helium balloon string is lost. Balloons are so good! Why do they have to come to an end? Well, that might be a good question for us to ask Adam and Eve. Actually, it might be a good question to ask every single one of us. Sin has broken our world, and that equals popped balloons. Things in this broken creation don’t last forever. I’m pretty sure Jesus had something to say about this.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 18:8-9
Balloons are so short-lived that they can be a wonderful example of not holding onto the things of this life. Hold onto things that will last forever. Like eternal life and righteousness!
What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
4) Creative colours
Balloons are incredibly colourful. Have a chat with your kids about how creative God is to be able to think up the colours and then make them! He is awesome. Praise him together.
Balloons are super fun for kids, and so make wonderful opportunities for thinking about deeper things. Next time you see a balloon, have a crack at having one of these chats.
I hope these ideas have been helpful! See here more instalments of the 100. Comment below with any ideas you try out with your kids.