There is a wooden outline of a large tree on the wall near my front door, and pictures of family members are attached to the tree. I enjoy looking at those pictures of children and grandchildren, but I often look at the base of the tree, where the “greats” of the family are, many of whom I know nothing about.

I thought of Moses and all the teaching that went on with the wandering people of Israel. And in one story, he said to the Israelites: “Teach your children…” Sadly, many families have gotten away from that. In one way, the Israelites were blessed to have forty years of wandering…with nothing else to do but talk to each other! What a welcome change that would be from the fast-paced life that we live today.

In the Book of Exodus, God commissions Moses to free His people. He says, “Go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak.” Moses obeys. Fourteen chapters later, after the Israelites are freed from slavery and have crossed the Red Sea in search of a new homeland, even Moses receives teaching… from his father-in-law! Throughout the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, the people are told to teach others in the way they should go. And thankfully, they obeyed.

Take the time to share your wisdom and your faith with the young people in your life. Share your journey, your hopes, and your dreams for them. Jesus did, and we are here today as his witnesses!