When my daughter was in middle and high school, my friend and I who had children the same age became the youth group leaders at our church. It was a typical group of young people doing the same types of things my friend and I had done when we were in Luther League a “few” years before. We shared lots of meals and fellowship, played games, went skiing and tubing since we lived near many ski resorts, went to youth group gatherings with other churches and hosted other youth groups at our church to partake in similar activities.

One of the events we added to our group was a movie night which we titled “God at the Movies”. We would watch a movie, not necessarily with religious overtones and would discuss where we saw “God” in the movie, why did they think that portion of the movie was a reflection of God at work and how it related to their lives.

When we first started this, some of the young people were reluctant to share their thoughts with the rest of the group, but after they had done this a few times, they opened up and the discussions became deeper and more heartfelt. This was a special time for all of us. We all learned more about and from each other and grew closer to God through our discussions. 

Of course, the point of “God at the Movies” was to show our youth that God is everywhere, with us and loves us all the time. They were able to appreciate how He uses people and events to help us and teach us about His love at all times, not just in church on Sunday morning or youth group on Thursday nights. It also prompted me to see God at work in many areas of my life. It was a great learning tool.

In Matthew 28:20 we read Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen

We can see evidence of God’s unconditional love all around us. All we have to do is slow down and look for it.  Thanks be to God!

Patty