If you have been on Pinterest or have a creative hobby, you have probably heard of inspiration boards. They are large pieces of poster board (or they can be virtual) and contain words and photos (or magazine clippings) that inspire the person working on a particular project. They probably started with planning weddings or decorating rooms, but have expanded way beyond that today. In fact, in New York City, there is a museum that positions itself as an inspiration board of sorts.
Your kids might appreciate the inspiration one of those boards can give them. It also makes a great project for a rainy day or when your kids are “bored” by their current life. For Christian kids, I would add a twist to the boards though. Often they end up just being a wish list of things someone wants to buy. It’s probably not a great idea to promote this kind of materialistic attitude in your kids.
There are however some inspiration boards your kids (and teens) can create that could also help them on their faith journey. Here are a few ideas to get them started.
- Blessings Inspiration Board. Are your kids in a stage where they are whining a lot or constantly wanting “more”? Have them design an inspiration board showing all of the blessings God has given them. They can even leave a little space to add to the board each day. Encourage them to get creative. Mine, for example, would include a duck-billed platypus!
- God Is With Me Inspiration Board. Have a child who is fearful or worried? This inspiration board can contain scriptures that remind your child God is always there or comfort your child in some way. They can also add images of things that make them happy or calm them. (Like a beach or stream.)
- Godly Dreams Board. Looking back, many Christians I know who are involved in personal ministry or mission work often started being drawn to those areas in childhood. Encourage your child to start an inspiration board of ways he or she would like to serve God in the future. It may include gifts they think they may have been given, talents, a passion for a particular place or group of people. There is really no right or wrong, but it will help you begin talking with your child about the plans God has for him or her – and how to be prepared for the opportunities God will give your child to serve Him.
- Missions or Ministry Board. Is your family planning a mission trip? Is your child old enough to be volunteering to teach a class or do some other big project to serve God? An inspiration board can be a place where they capture their ideas and/or options. This will be particularly helpful for kids who are more visual learners and thinkers.
- Christian Life Board. Have a child who is struggling with a particular sin? Or perhaps a child who is trying to get in the habit of consistently doing something godly like reading the Bible or encouraging others? Why not an inspiration board full of scriptures, words and photos that will inspire them to keep on the path God wants them to walk?
Inspiration boards can help your kids become who God created them to be. They can inspire them to bravely go where God wants them to go. So, pull out some poster board, glue sticks and some old magazines and find out what inspires your kids.