My daily devotionals took a twist today as my two younger kids decided to join me. My little boy made a bookmark featuring one of my favorite bible verses, particularly that from Deuteronomy 28:5 — “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.” This verse is posted in our refrigerator, as I find it so special given that I am an amateur home baker and I find myself needing to fill my basket to continue preparing food and nourishing my family.
I am so proud that little shot tried his best to make his bookmark look good. He used his sister’s brush pens. Shob on the other hand did her own devotional. I gave her a guide before on what to do during this time. It is basically a set of questions that I wrote in the back cover of her devotional notebook. There is nothing so hard about the guide questions, it is all age-appropriate and can help her reflect on God’s words and write about her thoughts in her journal.
Quiet time with the kids
I am just happy that while I was in my “Dalmanutha” Shob suddenly approached me and asked for a bible passage. Since she knows how to locate passages just by having a copy of the bible address, she got to read Isaiah 43:4. which reads:
“Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you. I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life.”
She reflected on this verse and wrote in her journal. As for me, I proceeded with reading my devotionals, study prompts, and my bible. This is all followed by journaling. The littles were happy, and I am happy too. I didn’t realise that they have grown enough to have a quiet time with me already. time indeed flies. Just a heart-warming day for me, and I am sharing it with you.
How to encourage the kids to devote time to the Lord
I am no expert in this topic, but like what our Parish Priest says, “we can never tell our children what they should do, we can only influence them.” So if they see you routinely reading The Word, they too will likely get interested in it. Of course exposing them to church and church activities, as well as lessons in school will also help deepen their faith. Singing praise songs also help and seeing scripture around the house are encouraging as well. In fact answering even their simplest of questions helps too.
It will also help to get them their own bible. There are kid-friendly bibles out there – not the bible stories for kids but real bibles where they can learn to find verses using bible addresses. Give them highlighters, a small ruler, pencils, and a journal notebook intended for their own devotional. Sticky notes are inspiring too!
Journeying to God’s heart with young people in tow
Anyway, knowing in your heart that you have younger people willing to go with you in your journey to God’s heart is but enough fuel to keep on going towards the light. But as they say, progress over perfection. Baby steps in faith do count 🙂
May you have a peaceful day ahead. Shalom!