Passing it on - 2

I can't believe it is so long since my first post on this topic. I promised more on the subject of encouraging our children and grandchildren to continue and flourish in the Christian faith so here is the second in the series.

Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 7 becomes very practical when talking about passing on our faith to our children. It says: “Impress them (God's laws) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Firstly the writer talks about when you sit. One of the best times to sit and talk is around the table during a meal. It is a tragedy that this is becoming very rare these days. There is currently the Bisto gravy advert that encourages families to promise to eat together at least once a week and, although this should be applauded, once a week is really nowhere near often enough for any family. Quality family time around the table is created by quantity family time around the table. The more you eat together the more conversations you will have and the greater your chance of speaking into the lives of your children.

Try to eat together as often as possible around the table. Turn off the TV, put away iPod's and mobiles and do not answer the phone. Show your kids that they are the most important thing to you and that way you will get the opportunities to speak into their lives and they will treasure those times together.