Surrounded by crayons, markers, scrapbook paper and glue my grandkids ages six to eleven, busied themselves with making cards for a close family friend who was hospitalized. With scissors in hand, snippets of colorful paper fell to the floor as they discussed their design plan and card message.

Voices would occasionally shout out for another roll of tape or sleeve of staples as their hands worked to create a card for someone they love. I was in awe when shown the finished cards; not with the design, but with the unprompted message each card conveyed.

Although the sentence was written backwards, you have to appreciate the words of wisdom from a six-year old.

“I love you. God will help you see the power by praying.”

Or, those of an eight-year old,

“Trust God, He will clear your sickness and be there when you need Him. I love you and hope you get better.”

And then, the wisdom of a ten-year old,

“Trust in the Lord when you need Him. I hope you get better soon. I know you will if you trust in the Lord.”

When I read the card messages, I was reminded of two Bible scriptures, both which bear witness to my own personal life.

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6

“Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and your gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:7-9

To raise and train a child within the context of these verses begins with reading the Bible. Even Moses stressed the importance of teaching our children the ways of God. As a grandparent, I will do everything within my power to keep the gates of their heart locked by faith in Jesus, the Son of God.

It will prove to be only life raft they have in the world in which we live.