My four-year-old friend and I walked hand in hand. During our walk, he was equally riveted by an active ant hill and a hawk gliding above us. We could have focused on the hardworking ants or the free-flying hawk. Instead, we turned our conversation to God—the One who created a sky big enough for the hawk, and who also cares about members of His creation as tiny as ants.

It was a teachable moment. But it didn’t occur in a Sunday school class or during bedtime prayers. In fact, occasions to teach about God and the salvation He offers through Jesus Christ are not limited at all to any one time or place. The opportunities are as numerous as the moments in our day.

Moses understood the importance of this when he instructed God’s people to be alert to those occasions, morning or evening, in the home or outside. He wrote:

“These commandments that I give you today…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”
(Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV).

We don’t need to force the conversation. The opportunities will occur naturally. The only real obstacle is our failure to identify such times when they do arise. So let’s put down our phones, tablets, and other devices when we’re with the children God has placed in our life. We don’t want to miss those teachable moments!

Will you choose today to look for the Lord in ordinary moments? As He teaches you about Himself, you’ll be able to recognize teachable moments with your children.