Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by The Smetz Files
Have you ever thought about traditions?
Like really sat back and reflected on things that tend to happen annually, or at regular intervals?
We tend to focus on traditions around holidays and birthdays. In a celebratory sense.
As a mom I often think about traditions that make childhood moments special.
I started thinking about traditions this week because my son got to participate for the first time in a time honored tradition at our church.
Block Party
This weekend was the annual block party for the youth group. Let me explain.
As you descend the stairs into the youth room at church, the outer wall made of cinderblock is brightfully and cheerfully decorated by students of years past.
Each block features a verse, a student’s name or initials, and picture that represents their interests.
Some are intricate and detailed. Others are haphazard and less polished. Collectively they’re a beautiful welcome as you enter the youth space.
Each year the youth get a chance to paint their block in the youth room.
This past Sunday, at the conclusion of the 11:00 service, the youth scampered to their cars to get a change of clothes and head down to the youth room for lunch and to begin their painting party.
There was an excitement, a buzz on the sidewalk as you heard snippets of conversations like, ‘what are you going to paint on yours? I made a stencil so I wouldn’t mess up! I have inspiration photos on my phone!”
It was a warm, sunny day for February, so younger siblings climbed the tree and ran around the yard while families discussed their weekend and Super Bowl plans.
Parents milled about, in the midst of the chatter, as the youth lined up to select their base paint.
Growing Up
It was in a sense a celebration. For a lot of us with middle schoolers new to the youth group (a faith experience reserved for middle and high school aged kids), it was a rite of passage.
For years I’ve watched the youth of the church lead certain aspects of worship. Perhaps one of my favorite services, the Hanging of the Greens, always features the youth. Before we had kids I admired the teenagers who ceremoniously processed in with wreaths and garland, and lit the Chrismon tree to great musical fanfare. It’s a beautiful service the marks the beginning of advent.
As our kids moved through preschool to the children’s choir and their elementary years, we encouraged them to listen when the high schoolers came back and shared about their mission trips. We often said, ‘look what you have to look forward to when you get to youth group.’
Your Time
So, this past Sunday, it was fun to see my son get his chance to paint a block.
To put his stamp on the wall.
A physical reminder he’s part of something much larger than himself.
When I picked him afterwards, I asked him what verse he selected for his block.
He responded, ‘Philippians 4:13’ and quoted it.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
If you’ve read the blog, it will come as no shock to you he added a baseball and palm tree to his block to represent his love for all things baseball and the beach!
Final Thought
Sometimes mothering tweens is less than glamorous. Some days it’s completely exasperating!
But when I think about the traditions they’re experiencing as they grow up, I’m reminded they are part of things much bigger than themselves. And that includes having a supportive network of nurturers and encouragers.
For our kids, painting your block is symbolic of growing up and growing in your faith. What a great tradition to continue.
The Smetz Files
I’m a mom to two active tweens. I’m trying to raise kind kids who will do good in the world. My blog features my simple musings, my mom centered moments. Follow to read more!
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