You are a gift to your children.
I met a lady this week who is probably in her late seventies. I’ll call her Sally. As I we chatted, Sally told me more and more about her life — her seven children, her two marriages, her tragedies, her faith and hope.
Early in our conversation, Sally told me about getting married when she was fifteen years old. Her explanation of why she married then was that she didn’t have a mother to help her with that decision. I was puzzled about exactly what she meant. Was her mother negligent? Had she died?
Later Sally explained that her mother had died when Sally was young. Still later in the conversation, she mentioned again the handicap she knows she has because she did not have a mother to teach her.
My son, observe the commandment of your father
And do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
Bind them continually on your heart;
Tie them around your neck.
When you walk about, they will guide you;
When you sleep, they will watch over you;
And when you awake, they will talk to you.
Proverbs 6:20-22
Your teachings guide your children as they walk about. They watch over them when they sleep. They talk to them when they are awake. And they always will.
Poor Sally misses that, but your children have it. What a gift!
Charlene, What if my children don’t think my convictions are their convictions. I’m not talking about beliefs, but about dress, music, etc. I’ve taught them all their lives, but now that they are older (18 and 21) it seems they have not embraced my teachings. I do so much appreciate your daily encouragement.