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Growing up, my kids were always fascinated when I shared things I remembered from my childhood with them. Those memories were especially meaningful when I pointed out how the stories related to my life now.
So much about our stories can be traced back to God working in our lives, and when we share them, our kids can see evidence that Jesus is real and intimately involved with us.
What’s even more surprising is that they can later recall them in surprising detail! It’s amazing how well they remember the life lessons tied to the stories we tell.
While it may be difficult for children to recall the exact passage of Scripture they just read, most can recall in specific detail the accounts of a story.
For instance, I loved to tell my kids of the time my stepdad brought home a hand-me-down typewriter from his office. I placed my hands on the keys and wondered what it would be like to type pages of legible words. I loved the rap-tap-tap sound it made and envisioned myself finishing the final page of a book. I didn’t know enough words at that point to write an entire book, but one day I would.
That story allowed me to point out that even back then, Jesus was preparing me for my calling as an author. And although my kids didn’t understand their own callings at that point, by seeing me live out mine and knowing that the Lord put it in my heart at a young age, they understood the reality that God does indeed have a plan for their lives. This gave them access to Divine Truth.
Jesus wanted children to have access to Him, as He said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).
Although our kids might not have experienced all the ways God’s revealed Himself to us, we can use our stories to teach them of things to come — if they are willing to take hold of Him for themselves.
As a mom, here are some things you can do on a regular basis to help your kids see God and take hold of Him:
- Not only trace the hand of God in past stories, but constantly look for ways to connect Biblical truths to everyday circumstances.
- Point out answers to things you’ve prayed about with your kids.
- Show them the many ways God provides and make sure they know where credit is due.
- Even in disappointments, talk to them about verses you use to keep trusting God.
All 5 of my kids are adults now, and have their own relationships with the Lord. But before you get an overly idyllic view of my parenting, please know I didn’t do anything perfectly as a mom. I just invested lots of time and lots of prayers.
There were seasons where my kids were really interested in growing spiritually and others where I wasn’t sure anything was sticking. But through it all, I kept trusting that no matter what, no spiritual truth taught is ever wasted.
Dear Lord, help me be a teacher of Your truth. As You continue to write the story of my life, reveal Yourself to me so I can tell my family of Your faithfulness. I want them to see the reality of Christ living in me and the difference You make in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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