Last night, all our kids stopped by to see us. Once again, the house lit up with activity and laughter, and at one point, I looked through the kitchen into the family room to see David lying on his side playing with our 7-month-old granddaughter. My heart was filled with gratitude, and a smile spread across my face as I watched them play with a toy and grin at each other.
This new season of life—parenting adults and getting to love on grandchildren—is something I could never have imagined in all its richness. It’s hard to describe, really. There’s a deep joy that comes from seeing your children walk with the Lord, raising families of their own, and still wanting to be close, to talk, to share, and to grow together.
Having relationships with our adult children that give us continued opportunities to invest in their lives—and now, in the lives of their little ones—is one of God’s good and gracious gifts. It’s His plan for families, and it’s absolutely beautiful to watch it unfold.
At Teach Them Diligently, that’s what David and I want for every family—to help you walk faithfully through each season of homeschooling and parenting so that one day, you too can enjoy the generational fruit of discipleship. It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, consistency, and a whole lot of grace—but the harvest is so very worth it.
Building a Family Culture of Discipleship
When I look back over our years of homeschooling, it’s clear that God used the simplest, most ordinary moments to knit our family’s hearts together.
Meals were a cornerstone in our home.
Breakfast was our time to connect spiritually. We’d often talk about what God had taught us in our devotions that morning. Those conversations weren’t formal Bible studies—they were simply open discussions that reminded our children that God was active in their lives and that we cared about their walk with Him. That time also helped to whet their appetite for things of the Lord and enabled them to build a habit of reading God’s Word every morning.
Dinner was equally important, but in a different way. With David gone for most of the day, we worked hard to guard that evening time together. We didn’t always have fancy meals (in fact, many weren’t!), but we had laughter, stories, and connection. The table became a place of safety, belonging, deepened relationships, and joy.
Sunday Lunches were another highlight.
After worship, we’d gather around the table for lunch—sometimes just us, other times with a handful of the kids’ friends or another family from church. We’d always ask, “What stood out to you in church today?” or “What did you learn?” Those simple questions opened up deep conversations. It was always amazing to hear how the Holy Spirit had spoken to each of us in a unique way. Even though we sat in the same service, God met us each personally—what a beautiful picture of His intimate care the kids were getting to see every week.
Investing in What Matters to Them
One thing David and I tried to model for our children was that what mattered to them mattered to us.
From Legos and Mario Kart to late-night talks about sports, school, or future dreams—we made time to listen and engage. I’ll admit, there were plenty of conversations where I had no idea what they were talking about (especially when video games entered the mix!). But I knew that my presence and my interest spoke volumes.
Those little moments built a foundation of trust. They showed our kids that their interests, thoughts, and experiences were important to us—not because of what they did, but because of who they were. That foundation has carried into adulthood. Even now, our grown children come to us for advice, prayer, and perspective—not because we have all the answers, but because those early years built connection and credibility that lasts.
Traditions That Strengthened Our Family
When the kids were pre-teens, we started a special family tradition: a family retreat the week before Thanksgiving.
At the time, it was mostly a way to take a break after a busy fall and reconnect before the holiday rush. But as the years went on, that trip became one of the most meaningful rhythms of our year.
We intentionally scheduled it so we’d return home before Thanksgiving Day, knowing that once our children were married, they might spend Thanksgiving with their in-laws. This way, the retreat would always be a welcoming open door—a time to gather, rest, laugh, and enjoy one another without stress or pressure.
Now, as I write this, we’re getting ready to leave for that very trip again this Friday. All of our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren will be there. We’ve been talking about it for months. The joy of seeing everyone together, talking, playing, and simply being family—it’s indescribable.
That’s legacy. It’s not about a perfect family or a flawless plan—it’s about intentional discipleship that builds relationships strong enough to last through every stage of life.
Legacy Is the Goal
Friend, I want to encourage you—what you’re doing right now matters more than you can see.
The effort it takes to sit around the table, to listen when you’re tired, to pray over your children, to open God’s Word together—all of it is planting seeds for a harvest that will come in time.
There were seasons in our homeschooling journey when I wondered if anything was “working.” There were days filled with tears, frustration, and self-doubt. But God is faithful. He uses every meal, every conversation, every bedtime prayer, and every hard day to shape not just our children’s hearts—but ours, too.
I can tell you firsthand: the fruit is worth it. Seeing your children and grandchildren walking with the Lord, knowing you’ve maintained an open door of influence and love—that’s the reward of years of faithful, imperfect, but intentional parenting.
Honestly, I feel like I am living the dream—not because life is perfect, but because God has been so good to our family.
We’re Here to Help You on the Journey
At Teach Them Diligently, everything we do is designed to help you build that same kind of legacy in your home. Whether you’re just beginning your homeschool journey or nearing the finish line, we want to come alongside you with biblical encouragement and practical help.
If you want to stay connected and keep growing, I urge you to:
- Join TTD365 for ongoing encouragement, Christ-centered community, and practical training to help you homeschool with confidence and disciple your children faithfully every day.
- Attend a Teach Them Diligently Event to be renewed, equipped, and inspired in your God-given calling as a parent and home educator. Leave with fresh vision, deeper relationships, and a clear focus on what truly matters.
- Subscribe to The Teach Them Diligently Podcast for weekly, faith-filled encouragement and practical wisdom that helps you parent biblically and homeschool with excellence—right in the middle of real life.
You’re not alone in this work. God is writing a story through your family that will impact generations to come. Keep pressing on—because legacy is the goal, and He is faithful.
I’d love to hear about one of your family traditions that’s helping you build a legacy.
