By Lynn Snuggs ( Loudoun County Parent)
I have often wondered if there is really any way for me to communicate to my children just how awesome and amazing God is, and how much he has meant to me. After all, I have seen and known him most of my adult life and my boys are still teenagers. How do you impart to someone so young the defining force of your life when they themselves have such limited experience? Add to that the fact that so many of my most intimate encounters with God were birthed out of great pain and loss, none of which I want for my children, and maybe I don’t even know where to begin.
But God does know. He always knows and once again, He has given me clear direction and a mandate for my children. I need only look as far as Deuteronomy chapter eleven...
"Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the Lord your God…. But it was your own eyes that saw all these great things the Lord has done…. 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."
I am reminded of what I already know and not to forget what I have seen. He charges me to fix His Word in my own heart and mind, and to teach it to my children, and even to their children after them.
I had a conversation with my husband recently about his own faith and formative years. He attended a Bible-based, Christian school in the deep south. What he had to say about the impact of a Christian education on his faith was remarkable. He said the environment itself was perhaps the most important piece. It provided a sort of cocoon or nest where his understanding of scripture was able to grow unencumbered. Instead of being in a place where he felt like an outlier, he was the norm. This allowed the foundation of his beliefs to be poured slowly and thoughtfully, without pockets or seams. He was taught daily and factually, the Word of God, and as he grew older, he was afforded a safe place to ask questions, address doubts, and field challenges. As an adult, he has a certitude of faith I do not often see in today’s world.
And so, I am assured that the words of Paul will hold true.
How can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?
“How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring Good News!”