.....stranger

Impress them 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 Deuteronomy 6:7

A young boy looked at his mom and said, “When I grow up, I’m going to marry you.”

His older sister quickly jumped in: “You can’t marry Mommy.”

“Okay,” he said. “Then I’ll marry you.”

She laughed and shook her head. “You can’t marry someone in your own family.”

The boy frowned, clearly puzzled. “You mean I have to marry a total stranger?”

Moments like these reveal how kids are always thinking, wondering, and trying to make sense of the world around them. And as parents, these moments are golden opportunities — not just to laugh, but to lead. The way we respond to their questions — even the silly ones — matters more than we realize.

Deuteronomy 6 reminds us of the responsibility we have in shaping young lives: “Impress [God’s commands] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home… when you lie down and when you get up.” Teaching our kids about God isn’t reserved for Sunday mornings or formal devotion times. It takes place in the everyday rhythms of life — bedtime chats, car rides, trips to the store, and yes, those unexpected and hilarious conversations over breakfast.

When a child brings up love, marriage, or friendship, we have a chance to gently guide their understanding. We can help them see that love is more than feelings, marriage is a promise, and God’s design for relationships is good and wise.

But more than what we say, it’s how we live that will leave the biggest impression. They’re not just learning about God from us; they’re learning what life with God looks like.

So, the next time your child says something off-the-wall, smile. But don’t miss the opportunity. Use it to plant a seed of truth, show a glimpse of God’s love, and shape their heart just a little more. You're not just raising a child. You're training a man or woman of God.

- alan smith

Father, thank you for the gift of children and the everyday moments you give me to influence their hearts. Give me eyes to see the teachable moments and words that reflect your truth. May my life point them to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.