As you begin this session, ask your teens if there are activities they are looking forward to this summer. Your teens may talk about things that are still cancelled due to COVID-19 or may express hopefulness that some things may return even if they look different. Ask your students to think of a favorite activity they enjoy. It can be anything. A sport, playing an instrument, playing video games, eating, whatever.
- If you had to do that favorite activity non-stop for a long time (days and days), what would happen? (Answers might include: I’d need sleep! It wouldn’t be fun anymore. I’d need a break. I’d need rest, etc.)
No matter what we’re doing, even if it’s our favorite thing in the world, we need a break from it, right? Check out these basketball experts’ advice on resting, even for the most passionate basketball players.
Share the following video clip with your students [1:27]:
Proper Rest and Recovery For Young Athletes
- What did this video have to say about the importance of rest for young athletes? (They need it to prevent injury, they need to have fun, it helps your body and mind can recover, it helps you succeed.)
- How can we relate this video to other areas of life? Why is rest important in other aspects of life? (Answers will vary. Let several students share. They may say they are getting bored without a change in routine. They might acknowledge that they would be exhausted without rest, etc.)
We all need rest. In the times we’re facing now, you might even need a rest from your rest! God knows it too. God set aside a special time for His followers to rest and to remember Him. Let’s check out the plan God had in mind for us.