By Ryan Kelly –

There is no greater investment we can make than the one we make in our children. Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This powerful verse reminds us that the seeds we plant today in the hearts of our children will bear fruit for generations. When we take time to play with our children, to enter their world with joy and imagination, we show them that they are seen, valued, and loved. Play isn’t just fun, it is a foundation for trust, creativity, and connection. It opens the door for deeper conversations and paves the way for meaningful lessons to take root.

Teaching our children is more than homework help or correcting mistakes; it is the sacred act of shaping character. Whether we’re reading stories of faith, solving math problems, or encouraging physical activity, every lesson is an opportunity to point our children toward wisdom, strength, and perseverance. As they grow, they learn not just facts and figures, but how to carry themselves with integrity, kindness, and faith. And just as Jesus taught through stories and moments of shared life, we too are called to walk alongside our children, teaching not only with words, but with love, patience, and presence.

Most importantly, we lead by example. Children learn what they live, and when they see us pray, worship, forgive, and grow in our own walk with God, they begin to mirror those same steps. By prioritizing spiritual growth, healthy habits, and lifelong learning, we give our children a model worth following. Our daily choices, even the small ones, speak volumes. So let us be intentional in our time with the next generation, because when we train them in the way they should go, with hearts rooted in Christ, we equip them to stand strong in every season of life.