“Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

This verse always made me nervous when I thought about having children. I guess because I would read it in a negative way: if I screw up a kid, they are screwed up forever! Eek! That’s not the author’s intent here though. At least not their main point. Instead, the author is stressing the importance of teaching children about God so they can have a lifelong relationship with Him. And teaching a child about God isn’t just a one-time lecture. It isn’t a once-a-week Sunday school class either, although that can be very important. It’s about modeling the behavior that pleases God for the child. Monkey see, monkey do. I can’t teach anyone about God if I don’t know Him myself. I don’t have children myself, but I am so grateful for the adults in my life who taught me who God is and how much He loves me. I know and love God today because of them. So I know I can have an impact on future generations just by living boldly for Jesus.

Dear God,

Thank you for reminding me of all the people who raised me to know you! Show me how I can participate in showing how wonderful you are to children you put in my path.