In our Milestones Faith Formation, there are 9 core milestones that provide the foundation for family devotions. These milestones are also sometimes referred to as routine milestones because rather than marking big life-changing events, they remember daily events.
The Milestones
Images of the milestones are from Milestones Ministry.
A downloadable guide is also available on their website.
Collections of stones are available at the church or can be purchased from Milestones Ministry’s website.
How to use them
Keep the core milestones, along with any others that you have added, in a special place and use them as part of your family devotions. You may wish to use them at other family times as well. Here are a few ideas. Please share how you have used the milestones in your family and we will continue to add them to this list.
As with all things, the more the milestones are used the more comfortable your family will be with sharing events from their lives and engaging. Making them part of routine devotions lays the foundation for using them at other times.
- Family Devotions. As part of routine family devotions, milestones can be named and acknowledges. Both the Basic Family Devotions and the Short Family Devotions provide time for milestones to be shared.
- Milestones Devotion. The milesones devotion is a simple devotion that centers around sharing milestones in daily life. There are several different ways this devotion can be used that are outlined. Once the family is familiar with the core milestones, this devotion is easily done “on the move” as the family is driving, eating, or waiting.
- Family check-in. A simple way to check-in with family members is to invite them to share which milestone they are experiencing right now. Encourage the one sharing to pick up the milestone that they are experiencing (often holding the token can give further permission to share). Invite them to tell about their experience without judgement or trying to fix it. The goal is just to be present for each other, not fix the problem right now.
- Starting an important family conversation. Important conversations can be difficult to start sometimes. Selecting the milestone that most closely relates to part of the conversation can be a way to start. After the conversation is introduced, pass the milestone token to each family member and invite them to share their feelings and thoughs about the topic.
Milestones’ Descriptions
- Beginnings and Completions: A rising/setting sun reminds us that beggings and completions are a common occurrence in our lives. As we remember and honor these moments we are reminded that though our lives regularly change, God is a constant presence that grounds us.
- Remembering: A candle marks times that are both special and sacred, inviting us to remember. Choosing to remember things that you value informs others of what is important to you and remembering things about others lets them know that you care. The Sabbath, worship, is a good example of us remembering what God has done so that we look for it in our lives now.
- Loss: We often shed tears at time of loss. Most often loss is painful, but we know that in our pain, God is present to wipe away our tears. Loss is a regular part of life, but in remembering it, we give hone to that which we lost and look for where new seeds of growth are taking place.
- Quests: A compass reminds us that quest have direction. Quests often share a lot in common with beginnings. Quests honor the journey, the work and effort we put in. It can be daunting to start out on a new quest, but God is a continual guide along the path.
- Sacred: A cross and dove mark sacred moments. Some sacred times are obvious, worship and church functions, but a sacred moment is anytime we feel the presence of God. They may also include special family times, a visit to a significant place, or a surprising feeling. Telling the stories of sacred moments in our lives helps us invite others to keep watch for God.
- Gratitude: Raised arms is a symbol of gratitude. These moments are opportunities to give thanks for what is happening. We are grateful for moments with our loved ones, successes at work or school, and so much more.
- Care: A helping hand marked with a heart reminds us of how we are called to care for others and receive the care others provide us. Marking these moments may be an opportunity to share how someone cared for you or how you were compeled to care for someone else.
- Mountain Highs: The sun over mountain peaks reminds us that life is filled with exciting moments that fill us with joy and thanksgiving. Marking our highs that have happened recently helps us to share our joys with others. Remembering mountain highs that have happened in the past, help us make it through the sad moments of life.
- Valley Lows: The moon over a deep valley marks those times when we are discouraged, hurt, or sad. These moments are difficult but important. We often learn more from valley lows than mountain highs. Marking these moments and naming them helps us remember that though we walk the darkest valleys, we are not alone. Looking back on valley lows can be an opportunity to reflect on what you have learned.