“Listen, my child, to the instruction from your father, and do not forsake the teaching from your mother. For they will be like an elegant garland on your head, and like pendants around your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9 (NET)

Sometimes, we don’t have parents to instruct and teach us the right way to live. We don’t have parents to bless us with “elegant garland” and “pendants.”

In the Hebrew, “elegant garland” means a “garland of grace.” I believe most parents want their children to exude grace and love to others.

Parents are supposed to teach their children the way they should go in life . But what if we don’t have parents to guide and teach us?

My childhood lacked such guidance and teaching from parents, but other people stepped in as garland givers. Relatives, teachers, and spiritual leaders served as conduits of blessing and imparted wisdom to me.

Now, it is my turn to adorn my daughter with garlands of grace and pendants of purpose, instead of dollar store tinsel and costume jewelry that would turn her neck green.

Each day presents a new opportunity to bless her and help her shine bright in this world. She may choose to do something else, but at least she’ll know how to get back to the light. Moreover, I must check myself to make sure I’m worth listening to.

What do you teach your children?

EKG