Object: A beach ball and a grave marker (stone).

Good morning, boys and girls. Let me share with you two things that we do not always think go together, but which I hope will really teach you how close God is to you.

The first thing that I have is a beach ball. How many of you have ever played with a beach ball? (Let them answer.) What do you think about when you see a beach ball? (Let them answer.) Swimming, sand, having fun, and going on vacation are some of the things that I think about when I see a beach ball. I had a friend who told me that a beach ball reminded him of really living. He just loved to swim and play and when he was doing both he called it really living.

Now I have a second thing that is a little different. (Bring out the grave marker or stone. It can be made out of c…