Bounce Back

For this activity you will need foil (or anything to protect the surface), 2 hard-boiled eggs (or raw if you are daring), and a superball – any high bouncing ball will do. You can do this demonstration yourself, or you can ask someone to do it while you narrate. First spread the foil out on the floor. Show everyone the egg and the ball. Ask them to predict what will happen if you drop the egg. Then, drop the egg onto the foil. The shell will crack, at the very least. Next show the second egg and ask what will happen if the egg is thrown with great force at the foil. Then do it. Now do the same with the ball (but not on the foil), first dropping and then throwing it down. The ball will bounce back.

Discuss the difference by explaining that when “egg people” hit an obstacle, they splatter. The harder they hit, the harder they splatter, giving up on their goal. When “super ball people” hit an obstacle, they bounce back. The harder they hit, the harder they bounce back. When the going gets tough, the tough get going! Use the image of a trampoline to further explain the image of diligently bouncing back from adversity.
As Christians, we are a Resurrection people. Jesus gives us the example of the ultimate “bounce back” when he rose from the dead. His Resurrection is the source of our hope and the power that fuels our own diligence in our tasks of the Kingdom.

 To process this activity, ask these questions:

• Could you predict what would happen when the egg or the ball hit the floor?
• Do you know people who are “egg” people and who are “super ball” people?
• Which type of person are you?
• Next time you hit an obstacle, will you remember to bounce?

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7