START UP A CHILD

 

My siblings and I picked up some of our parents' most interesting habits. Over the years, they kept these routines so consistent that sometimes it felt a little obsessive. Simple things like washing our hands thoroughly before eating, or the way we inspect our utensils and dishes, sometimes rinsing them quickly, even if they are already clean. We were also never, ever allowed to skip our morning wash-and-grooming routine before breakfast. I’m still surprised at how deeply these habits and routines have stayed with me.

There are other, more meaningful habits my parents instilled in us that have also remained over the years. For instance, we always ate dinner together as a family, prayed together before bed, and attended church together every week. 

I’m thankful my parents were so committed to making these a regular part of our lives because now they feel natural and essential to me. They didn’t just tell us to do these things; they did them with us regularly. Proverbs 22:6 says...

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. 

I like that some modern translations use the phrase “Start up a child.”

I realize now that every good habit I “start up” in my children while they are young has the potential to become a natural and essential part of their lives when they grow up.  They can also set the stage and jump-start their own personal faith journey with God.  This truth is vividly portrayed in David and his son Solomon.

1 Kings 3:3 says Solomon began his journey...

“by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David,”...

God noticed this obedience and invited Solomon into a deeper, more personal relationship, telling him to now follow the instructions and commands of the Lord.

And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” (vs. 10)