Imagination Box Parables
We’ve been reading parables in Sunday School, and each one comes in a beautiful, slightly worn gold box with a lid. Old, because they’ve been passed down through many generations. Gold, because they are very valuable. Box-shaped, because they are a gift, given to us before we were even born. Closed, because sometimes it takes some time before they will open for us and reveal their true meaning.
When we lift the lid, there are all sorts of objects inside that help us tell the story. There might be sheep, or measures of flour, or even a smooth, shiny pearl. And when you’re at home, you can create your own parable boxes, using only your imagination!
“Imagination Box” is a pantomime game, so you’ll use your body but not your words when you play. Each member of your family will take a turn to reach behind them and pick up their very own imagination box – be sure to show the others how big it is, and how heavy, through the way you lift it and set it back down in front of you. Inside will be something that helps tell one of the parables of Jesus. Open the box – maybe the lid is on a hinge, or maybe you lift it off and set it aside – and sort through the contents until you find what you’re looking for. Then pull it out of the box and let everyone else guess what it is based on how you hold it, how you use it, and how you feel about it, NOT by describing it with your words! If nobody is able to guess what it is, try making a clearer choice with your movements. You can also set a limit on the number of incorrect guesses before you reveal what it is.
There are a few options to narrow the range of possible objects. Maybe you choose one parable each time, and everyone’s objects come from that story. Or maybe each person chooses a parable and shows objects from that story until the rest of the family has guessed not only what each object is, but also what story they go with. It’s up to you! If you need to review the parables before you play, you can read them together as a family. Pick up your favorite Bible, check out the picture book “Go and Do Likewise” by John Hendrix, or watch the storytellers on the Godly Play Foundation’s YouTube page.
If you run out of parables to “find” in your imagination boxes, you can also play with other Bible stories, or try categories like treasured objects, favorite toys, or things that help you feel better when you’re stressed. And if your family comes up with any others, share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
