Since I came to know Jesus as an adult, I grew up in the faith with my children. For many years we got up early to read “Keys for Kids” before they went out to catch the school bus. Now, no one has ever accused me of being “gifted in early,” but with God all things are possible! (Mark 10:27)

I wanted to model prioritizing time in the Bible to my children. But without having a role model myself, I wasn’t quite sure how to do that.

I love order. “Everything in its place,” and all that. But I deliberately left my Bible out and open, just in case my kids felt the urge to read it themselves. I chose not to have one designated space for my personal devotions. Instead, I purposely moved from room to room, hoping they would notice that my Bible was being used, not gathering dust.

Fast forward twenty plus years.

Recently, I received a text from one of my children – and I have permission to share it with you.

It begins, “Something has been on my heart today that I feel like I need to apologize for.”

This definitely piqued my curiosity, because this came from my rule-following firstborn.

It continued, “As a kid, when you would leave your Bible open in various places (they did notice!) sometimes I would sneak and try to read it. Especially when I was mad. I really thought I could stick it to you by reading what you were reading.” (I can see God smiling down at this!)

“So, I’m sorry I read your Bible out of vengeance.”

“I realize that you were probably leaving your Bible open on purpose (Yes!) to show me you were reading your Bible and to encourage me to read mine.”

“I also realized that reading someone else’s Bible is one of the least revengeful things someone can do 😊”

This makes my heart so happy! It is not often that we get to see the long-term results of our actions. Regardless of your age or situation, it is never too late to begin setting a good example.

Whether your family acknowledges it or not, they are watching, and learning from you.

Lisa