When Jesus was little, his parents took him to the temple to do all the things the law required. And it says about Jesus that he grew up, became strong, was filled with wisdom. Just like any other kid. He had parents who loved him. A community around him. People who taught him, shaped him, told him what mattered.
And so when we read about Jesus later, talking about being a son of God first, about God’s love and God’s ways mattering most—that didn’t come out of nowhere. That came from being loved. That came from people who showed him what love looked like. What service looked like. What it meant to keep faith.
Your kids are watching. They’re learning from what you do, not just what you say. They’re learning whether God is actually real or just something you talk about on Sunday. They’re learning whether kindness is worth it. Whether showing up for people matters. And here’s what gets me: they’re learning all of that without you even trying. So maybe try a little anyway.
A reflection by Rev. MaryGean Cope