Teachable Moments

Being with our grandchildren, I have been reminded once again of the importance of taking advantage of golden opportunities to be intentional about lessons on the go.  Whether it’s teaching something new, reinforcing a lesson that has already been taught, or encouraging right choices, these teachable moments are times to treasure and not waste.  Even though it may take extra time, energy, or patience, it will be well worth the investment. 

This week I read about and was encouraged by stories of teachable moments.  Bill Shields reported a story about a youth football team in Pembroke, Massachusetts.  Last Saturday, 10-year-old Chris McNamara’s great grandfather, Bill McNamara, a 94-year old World War II veteran, came to watch him and his teammates play football.  The coaches found out about McNamara’s attendance and before the game had each of the players go up in the stands and shake hands with Mr. McNamara.  Chris said he knew the coaches were teaching more than just football.  “I feel like they are trying to make football players be able to be like good kids.”  Not only did a World War II veteran feel respected and appreciated, but as Sharon McNamara said, “It’s just really nice to see them teaching them not only how to make the tackle safely or how to get to the end zone but how to respect your elders, how to respect World War II vets.”

Recently, a woman, her son, and daughter were on their way to an appointment.  As they were walking down the sidewalk, they passed a man using a walker.  The daughter commented to her mother that the man was wearing, “one of those hats.”  Puzzled the mom asked what kind of hat and the girl replied, “You know, he’s not a veterinarian, he’s…”  The mother filled in “A veteran?”  “Yeah” the daughter agreed.  As they talked, the children wanted to speak to him and thank him for serving our country.  The mother started to decline the request, knowing the additional time might make them a few minutes late for their appointment, but decided the gift of expressing gratitude was more important to teach her children at the moment.

I’m grateful that God doesn’t limit teachable moments to just little children, but includes us big kids as well.

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Deuteronomy 4:9

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deuteronomy 11:19

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

I Corinthians 10:31