What Makes You Happy? Week 3- Jan. 18

​This week, here’s one thing to remember about the middle school phase. Because of the way their brains are developing right now, middle schoolers have a tough time thinking about the future. This probably won’t come as much of a shock, but parts of their brain aren’t yet fully formed—including the part of their brain that helps them consider the consequences of their actions. As a result, the future isn’t usually a priority for them and whatever’s happening right now feels really, really important. That’s why your few need adults who will help them think more about how their choices now will affect their lives later, and who will also remember to be patient with them because, after all, they are still middle schoolers!

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Share a high and a low from the past week.

If you could plan your own Happiest Day Ever, what would you plan?
When you’re having a bad day, what’s one way you sometimes try to cheer yourself up?

​What’s one thing that might make you happier now, but will make you unhappy later?
Why do you think it’s so tempting to care more about feeling happy now than being happy later?

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John 10:10-11 New International Version (NIV)
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

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What do you think Jesus meant when He said he wants us to have life “to the full”?
What’s one way following Jesus can help us find happiness later?
What’s one way following Jesus can help us find happiness now?
​This week, what’s one area where you need to start thinking about both now and later?

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Holy God, our strength and our redeemer, by your Spirit hold us forever, that through your grace we may worship you and faithfully serve you, follow you and joyfully find you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.

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Go in peace, living life to the fullest in Christ.
Thanks be to God!

Mark the Cross of Christ on each others foreheads as a remembrance of your baptism and say these words...

"(Name) you are a beloved Child of God."

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