One of the really important findings in our Deep Justice research is that we as parents and youth leaders need to help kids’ mission and service experiences last longer than normal. If the kids in your life did a short-term mission trip or service day sometime earlier this summer, it might already feel like a distant memory. Part of what wise youth leaders and parents do is think about how to keep the conversation and the memories alive.

My husband send me this fascinating short set of pictures from “Life” Magazine entitled “Where Children Sleep”. It shows pictures of kids’ bedrooms all over the world, ranging from kids who have more stuff than your kids do to kids who are sleeping on primitive cots on dirt floors.

As you click through these slides with kids, ask questions like:

-How do these pictures connect with or remind you of what you experienced this summer?

-How do you feel about your own house and bedroom having seen these slides?

-Are there any actions you want to take or consider at this point?

If it feels appropriate, share how you feel about your own bedroom, having seen these pictures of kids’ bedrooms from around the world. Maybe you can together agree with your students to make certain giving or service commitments this fall.