While driving in a vehicle, discuss motor vehicle safety devices like car seats, seat belts and air bags. Explain that seat belts are used to protect passengers from injuries if the vehicle has to stop quickly or is in a collision. Liken this to a parent holding a child’s hand while crossing the street, or walking up or down stairs, or on rough terrain. Seat belts are protection that you can see and feel.

Next, tell your child about vehicles equipped with air bags. Explain that air bags are devices that you cannot see or feel, yet they are always there, offering protection if there is a sudden impact. This is the way God is – He is always with us, even though we can’t see Him. He is ready to help or protect us any time we need His help.

Questions for discussion

• Why do we wear seat belts?
• What is an air bag?
• Where is the air bag?
• How is a parent like a seat belt?
• How is God like an air bag?

Relevant Scripture

Psalm 13:5-6 “But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.”

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.”

While travelling in the car, ask your children to find a pizza parlour. Ask if they know which country pizza was originally from. Explain that pizza was originally made in Italy. People enjoyed this Italian dish so much that it soon became popular all over the world. If people had not been open-minded about tasting a flat piece of bread baked with tomato sauce and cheese, made by their Italian neighbours, maybe we wouldn’t have pizza parlours all over Canada and the United States.

Brainstorm other ways that our culture has been accepting of ideas from other countries. Some ideas include German, Japanese and other foreign cars, and Chinese and other ethnic foods. Extend this activity, if you wish, by examining items in your own home or going on a shopping trip.