There is so much I want my children to know about God.

I want them to know He is the Creator of everything — the God we read about in Scripture — but also the God who is close, who cares deeply, who is a loving Father and a safe place.

I want them to know that God is with them wherever they go.

Not distant. Not watching from far away.

Right there. Right beside them.

I want them to never fear Him the way I once did.

Because there was a time when I felt condemned more than comforted — when I felt like I wasn’t “good enough” or “holy enough” or “Christ-like enough” to come near Him. I thought God was disappointed in me. I thought He kept a scorecard of every mistake.

But that isn’t who He is.

When I read about the prodigal son — the father who ran toward his child with open arms after a season of rebellion — I see the God I want my children to know.

A God who welcomes them, not because they deserve it, but because He loves them.

A God who isn’t waiting to punish them for slipping up —

but eager to embrace them when they return.

Right now, they answer to us — their parents — when they make mistakes. We’re shaping them, teaching them what’s right and wrong. But someday, they won’t always have us beside them. One day they’ll grow into adulthood and need to know:

They can still come to God as children.

With all their emotions.

With all their questions.

With all their imperfections.

And He will still call them His.

When it comes to teaching them about God, we do read the Bible together — but so much of what they learn happens in the ordinary moments.

When I feel that little nudge from the Holy Spirit…

I speak.

When siblings argue? We talk about love —

Love is patient. Love is kind.

And I watch their hearts soften.

Apologies are whispered.

Hugs are offered freely.

And peace settles back over our day.

That’s discipleship too.

If I could choose just one truth to be written on their hearts forever, it would be this:

Know Him.

Trust Him.

Love Him — always.

Because no matter how far they roam…

no matter how many mistakes they make…

no matter how much they doubt or struggle…

His love never changes.

His grace is always enough.

He is always, always a Father who runs toward them.