For this activity, you will need to prepare beforehand by doing some research at your library or online to find some resources on guide dogs for the blind. Begin by asking your children your choice of the following questions:

Questions for discussion

• Would you jump into a swimming pool with your eyes closed?
• How would you feel if I asked you to jump into a lake, but you couldn’t see the bottom?
• Would it make it easier for you to jump into the lake if I were in the water to catch you?
• How do you feel when you walk into a dark room?
• Is it easier to enter a dark room if someone you trust goes into the room first?
• Imagine you are camping in a tent in the woods. How would you feel after it gets dark? What would you think about while you are trying to go to sleep in your tent?
• Would you feel better if a parent was in the tent with you?
• All of these situations have something in common. Do you know what it is?

Explain that in each of the scenarios described above, there is a temptation to be afraid because you cannot see the bottom of the lake, or into a dark room, or what is in the bushes near your tent. This is often called “the fear of the unknown.” When we cannot see our surroundings well enough to be sure we are safe, it is easy to become afraid.

Ask your children to close their eyes and imagine what it would be like if they were unable to see at all. While their eyes are still closed, explain that some people live their whole lives not able to see, because they are blind. They were either born without the ability to see, or became blind later in life.

Take time to read a book or watch a video or DVD on guide dogs for the blind.

Now link the experiences you discussed earlier to a blind person’s life experience. Explain that because a blind person trusts their guide dog, they can find the courage to go for a walk, cross the street or go shopping. Any of these everyday activities would be frightening for a blind person to do alone, but with their dog to guide them, they are safer.

Read your choice of the verses provided below and summarize by reviewing the key points. Once again, ask your children what they are afraid of and then close by praying that God would give them the courage to trust Him even when they are afraid.

Key concepts

Wherever we go and whatever we do, we can take comfort in knowing God is with us. God knows what is under the water at the lake, and what might lurk in the darkness. We can find the courage to face frightening situations, because the God who controls the whole the universe is watching over us and caring for us. Just as the guide dog “sees” for the blind person, God can see what we cannot see and He will watch over us. We need to learn to trust God, as the blind person trusts their guide dog. Whenever we are afraid, we can ask God to remind us that He is always with us, guiding and looking out for us.

Relevant Scripture

Psalm 121:7-8 “The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

John 14:1 [Jesus said,] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.”

Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”