In The Way They Should Go

In the Way They Should Go

Watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

Deuteronomy 4:9

My Amish friend Sherry once told me about a special moment that an Amish mother shares with her young daughter in the middle of a busy day. When a mother rolls out a pie crust, she always cuts off the edges; then, with her daughter’s help, she rolls out the scraps again in preparation for a special treat. Although the actual pie can’t be cut until after dinner, the extra dough is sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and baked. After it cools, the mother and daughter enjoy the treat together.

I love this picture of mother and daughter “working” side by side. It reminds me of Proverbs 22:6: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Celebrating togetherness and intentionally creating special memories for the little ones in our lives is something we often neglect in our to-do-list-making world.

Memories are made every moment. What your child or grandchild experiences gives him or her a blueprint for living life in the future.

Have you gotten out of the habit of creating a bit of happiness in everyday moments? It’s not too late to change that, and I guarantee there are little ones who would love to help you start.

Dear heavenly Father, too often I see the young ones in my life as just another task along with everything else I need to do. Help me to slow down and enjoy the moment. Help me to take the opportunities that everyday moments offer to teach my children through my words and my care.