By Megan Alfaro
If we're going to talk about what matters, prayer is going to be high on the list! My husband and I do our best to pray for our kids every day. We also have a habit of praying as a family before meals and at bedtime. My three-year-old daughter Zoé loves routine, and she is quick to remind us when it's time to pray. But saying a prayer for herself is another story. She always insists that Mommy and Daddy do the praying. One time she even told me, "I'll pray when I'm older."
Then there was today.
I came out at lunch time to find Zoé with her little brother Sam, folding their hands as Zoé whispered something inaudibly. "We were praying Mommy!" Later that evening at dinner I did my best to hide my astonishment when she wanted to say grace.
It's such a thrill to see our little ones follow our lead, whether it's that cute little turn of a phrase, a sweet gesture, or enthusiastically cheering for Daddy's favorite team. But seeing little glimpses of a budding faith is the very best of all.
It took Zoé more than three years to follow our lead in prayer. Who knows when it will become a habit for my girl. But I'm grateful for the encouragement to remain steadfast in praying for my children and modeling my faith.
In the meantime, that first little prayer is forever etched on my heart:
"Thank you God for this food, and for this beautiful day, and for Nana and Papa. Amen."