Our children are learning about life by watching us, especially as we transition into a new school year. More is caught than taught. If they see us living a frantic, stressed, and constantly rushed existence filled with new schedules and demands, they will learn that this is normal. What are we teaching our kids about work, rest, and the pace of life?
“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” – Deuteronomy 6:7 (ESV)
This verse speaks of weaving faith into the natural rhythms of family life—sitting, walking, lying down, rising. It implies a life with enough margin for these conversations to happen. If our days are scheduled from dawn to dusk with back-to-back activities, there is no time “to sit in your house” or “walk by the way.” One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the example of a balanced, peaceful life. By modeling healthy boundaries and a love for rest, we are teaching them a theology of time that will serve them their entire lives.
Action Steps:
Prayer:
Father, help me to be a good example to my children. Forgive me for modeling stress instead of peace. Guide our family as we seek to build a life that has room for You, for each other, and for the simple, holy moments of sitting and walking together. Amen.