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Family Night Guy
Introduction
 Impression
points occur every day of our lives.
Intentionally or not, we impress upon our
children our values, preferences, beliefs, quirks, and concerns. It happens
both through our talk and through our walk. When we do it right, we can turn
them on to the things we believe. But when we do it wrong, we can turn them off
to the values we most hope they will embrace.
The goal is to find ways of
making this reality work for us, rather than against us. How? By creating and
capturing opportunities to impress upon the next generation our values and
beliefs. In other words, through what we’ve labeled impression points…
The kids are all standing at the foot of the stairs. Jim
is at the top of that same staircase. They wait eagerly for Dad’s instructions. “I’ll take you to Baskin-Robbins for ice cream if you can
figure how to get up here.” He has the attention of all four kids. “But there
are a few rules. First, you can’t touch the stairs. Second, you can’t touch the
railing. Now, begin!” After several contemplative moments, the youngest speaks
up. “That’s impossible, Dad! How can we get to where you are without touching
the stairs or the railing?” After some disgruntled agreement from two of the other
children, Jacob gets an idea. “Hey, Dad. Come down here.” Jim walks down the
stairs. “Now bend over while I get on your back. Okay, climb the stairs.” Bingo! Jim proceeds to parallel this simple game with how
it is impossible to get to God on our own. But when we trust Christ’s completed
work on our behalf, we can get to heaven. A lasting impression is made. After a
trip up the stairs on Dad’s back, the whole gang piles into the minivan for a
double scoop of mint-chip.
Some years
ago, Jim Weidmann - the Family Night Guy - and his wife Janet began setting aside time to intentionally impress
upon the kids their values and beliefs through a weekly ritual called “family
night.” They play games, talk, study, and do the things which reinforce the
importance of family and faith. It is during these times that they
intentionally create these impression points with their kids. The impact? The
kids are having fun and a heritage is being passed.
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