I don't remember her giving me a lesson about the importance of prayer.

I remember her feet.

And I remember knowing that before Mom faced everything that day would bring, she went to God.

Decades later, my sister quietly took a photograph one night when she checked on Mom. There she was again—on her knees in prayer.

She wasn't teaching a lesson. She didn't even know anyone was watching.

She was simply doing what she had done for a lifetime.

She believed God.

So when choosing books for your children or grandchildren, certainly ask:

Is it beautifully illustrated? Is it funny? Is it educational? Will my child enjoy it?

But let’s ask a few deeper questions, too:

Will I enjoy reading this for the fiftieth time?

Will it spark meaningful conversations?

Will it cultivate wonder?

Will it help my child recognize truth, goodness, and beauty?

Will it whisper something about the heart of God?

If the answer is yes, you may have found more than a good children’s book.

You may have found a treasure your family will keep for years.

Discover the beautiful gift of grandparents and how love, wisdom, family traditions and faith can create a legacy that blesses generations.

As I sat there, my thoughts traveled back many years to when I was raising my own children.

Oh, how I wish I had understood this truth then as deeply as I am beginning to understand it now!

There were so many circumstances I wanted God to change.

So many prayers I wanted Him to answer.

So many things involving my children that I wanted to fix, control, prevent, or hurry along.

I believed in God, certainly.

But there is a difference between believing in God and believing God.