A NIGHT TO REMEMBER â—½ HOME
A few years ago, we took the three older kids on a “hobo” walk where each kid carried a big stick with a bandanna tied on the end, full of treats for the fish in the stream, just down the street. I was telling 3 year old Camp about the excursion and he immediately ran to get his broom and a bandanna. He then started filling the bandanna with plastic fruit. It was so fun to watch.
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Just a few days later we were with the family and decided to incorporate the hobo walk into our fun. What a great message for all of us!
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A hobo was a train hopper long ago, and he carried his belongings across his shoulder as he went from town to town. Hobos were NOT tramps or transients. Hobos thrived on the train travel! And just like hobos, we too are travelers here on the earth…as this is not our final destination. Let’s learn more:
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Preparation: Find a long stick for each person participating, grab a bandanna (or a scarf) for each person, as well. If you want, purchase a small gift to wrap in the bandanna, or use a favorite toy they already have. Plan your hobo walk path in the backyard or at a nearby park.
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What year and date were you born? (Let each one answer.) God placed you on the earth in this family with your parents and siblings, right where you’re supposed to be…but only for a certain amount of time.
As you grow and get bigger, you’ll walk this earth and do lots of things!
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Where was your favorite spot we had fun as a family? (Let each one answer.) Where do we want to go next? (Ask for answers.)
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During our lifetime, we will visit lots of places, towns, restaurants and homes…kind of like a hobo here on earth!
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(Give each person their stick and bandannas.)
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While we walk on this earth, we have lots of gifts we carry. Some of us are good at sports, others at music, still others at art, or all sorts of things. What is your gift that God has given you? (Point out or let them answer what their gifts are.)
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We carry those gifts with us while we walk on this earth. Inside your bandanna is a gift!
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But guess what? This earth is not the final destination for any of us. Just like hobos hopped trains and worked, we hop around the earth to different places carrying our gifts, as we live on the earth.
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Let’s practice the hobo walk. (Ask the kids to toss their sack over their shoulder and follow each other around the yard.) Play “Walk with Jesus” by Cory Flament if you can! It’s a great walking song. Ask the kids to sort of dance too, as they walk their path.
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When our life is over on earth, we no longer carry a stick (ask the kids to lay down their sticks) and we are so thankful for the gifts God gave us on earth (open the bandannas and discover the gifts.)
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Have we known anyone that died and already finished their walk on earth? (Ask the kids to share…) It’s sad to lose a loved one here on earth, but they’ve just finished their walk and their on the train to see Jesus, so to speak. He takes them to their heavenly home, while we keep walking down here.
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Hobos were willing to work. Are you willing to work for Jesus?
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Hobos often temporarily lived near water sources. We live near the living water – Jesus – the giver of life!
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Hobo is short for “homeward bound” and that’s what we are! Heaven is our final destination because of Jesus when our walk on earth is done.
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Family Prayer;
Lord, thank you for the gifts you’ve given us to use for you here on earth. Help us to walk with Jesus, our Savior, and give thanks as we hop from place to place while living here, and preparing for there – heaven – to be with you. Bless us as we walk, hand in hand with you, everywhere we go. – Amen.