Several years ago (27 to be exact), we were traveling along snowy roads in order to spend Christmas with family. As the snowfall became heavier and heavier, the roads became slicker and slicker. So much so, that when the car in front of us started sliding, we had no choice but to try to avoid hitting them. When my husband began pumping the brakes, we also slid...right into the ditch.
Seconds after we stopped, our 3 year old son began to sing (to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It") "If you go into the ditch say a prayer....".
Thankfully we were able to drive right out and go on our way. There wasn't even a scratch on the car.
No, this isn't a lesson in defensive driving. My purpose in sharing this memory with you is to impress upon you as parents and grandparents how important it is to LIVE Jesus Christ; making your faith who you are not just something you do. As parents and grandparents we need to raise our little ones up to instinctively go to the Savior first of all in any and all situations.
How do you do that? Glad you asked. You teach by example. Let your light shine before them to bring glory to our Father in heaven.
I'd like to say that by doing so you have the assurance your children will follow suit. It is every Godly parent's hope and prayer that they do, but there will come a time when they will choose for themselves who they will serve. If they choose to serve the Lord, give thanks! If, however, they wander away, consider this time their time of 'sliding into the ditch'. And in those times, follow 3 year-old Zach's advice and say a prayer. Say lots of prayers.