FAMILY FAITH:A good time for life lessons

Summer is here. Those of us with children still at home now have the privilege of a more relaxed schedule for them, even if we ourselves work outside the home. There may be extra time to sleep in, and additional time to travel. For many, a more comfortable agenda will be enjoyed with some time for leisure activities.

Although I work, I do find summer changes our schedule and there are moments of spontaneity and flexibility. I always feel excitement build as I know I will have prime time for life lessons.

This summer, I plan on traveling abroad and teaching my children the introduction to another language, seeing places where the Gospel was spread, and taking time to relax, read and have long conversations.

Whatever your summer plans, you can incorporate God and His life lessons into them. Simple travel can be used to talk about Bible stories and find out where the heartbeat of your child is spiritually. Summer church camps can also assist in this.

As I myself journey this summer, I have the opportunity to discuss with my children where Jesus walked, how the Gospel was spread after His resurrection and ascension, and make Biblical history come alive for them. This will not be done in front of a whiteboard with formal instruction. This will be done as we walk and discover life together.

Deuteronomy 4:9 tells us, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” (New International Version)

The places I will venture with my children this summer happens to be where I traveled after I gave my life to Christ as a young adult. I have stories.

I will share these, because for children and adults, narratives bind themselves to our memory banks. They are stories of what Christ did and how He used me in a foreign land. I will share of how Paul walked close to these places and spread the Gospel. I will do this as we walk and converse.

Whatever your summer plans — even if they are as simple as staying home this summer — God can, and will, use you to teach your children life lessons. It merely takes time and communication.

“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 11:19)

Your stories and lessons have tremendous power to change the life of your children, no matter what their age.

Never be reluctant to share that which can change another’s life.