Posted by: District Elder Andrew Latorcai

Maybe today, more than ever, we as parents occupy ourselves with the thought of our children’s education and their safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to re-think how education can and should be delivered! We pray that the best decisions for our child’s development will be made and that God’s hands of guidance and protection will cover each one.

We have many teachers in life, among them are our parents who from early in life provide for us the foundation to build on. We can never underestimate the profound influence we have on our children both naturally and spiritually. We can read in Deuteronomy 4: 9 “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,”. This passage is known as Moses’ farewell address to the people of Israel before entering the promised land. This was a reminder for the people to remember their experiences with God and to teach them to their children and grandchildren. This also holds true with us.

Let us look into this word a little deeper:

1. Only take heed to yourself and diligently keep yourself,…

• Simply we should not occupy ourselves with trivial matters but keep that which is important for you and for your children. To watch over ourselves so we can provide a proper example, especially in our life of faith. Our children are watching and learning all the time. The only one we can control is ourselves. We make it a priority to exemplify Christ’s teaching.

2. Lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart…

• What we have seen, heard, and experienced can be life lessons. Sometimes we need to reflect over them, move them in our heart and take the opportunity to share them, especially with our children. It is easy to forget when we are occupied with a host of other things. Our problems, challenges, and everyday obligations can be front and center, while perhaps more meaningful things in life are less in focus and move to the background.

3. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,

• Our experiences as a child of God, our life of faith, our prayer life, and God’s blessing inspire and motivate our children. As parents, we want to give the best to our children. Our children want our time and how wonderful when we can share with them godly wisdom, experiences of faith, and our love for God and His work. Our positive conversation encourages them to trust God and follow His way.

As parents, we are servants of our triune God caring not only for our children but also for His children. The blessing of God will accompany our children as well as us parents.