Our kids grow up so fast. In a mere cosmic blink, they’re adults ready to launch out into the world on their own. A wise parent must search out opportunities to instill a sense of family—a tight circle in a wide world, a bond they can always depend on.

That can be as simple and beautiful as planting a family tree.

Involve the whole family in the task of choosing a location for your tree. That might be your own yard, a park, or even a public roadway. Make sure you select a place where you and your family will always be able to visit your tree.

Once you’ve found an ideal place, ask a professional to advise you concerning the type of tree that is best suited for your area and climate. Make sure the chosen location has the right amount of sunlight and room to grow. Then pile everyone into the car and go together to bring your family tree home.

Encourage each person to take a turn with the shovel and throw in a handful of dirt when the tree is in place. When you’ve tamped it down, take hands around the tree and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for your family—who you are and what you will become. If possible, take pictures of your family around the tree each year. It’s fun to compare later pictures with those of your kids encircling a wobbly little stick.

God so values the concept of family that He instituted it way back in the Garden of Eden. In spiritual terms, He calls us His children, part of His own eternal family. Before your kids sprout wings and fly away from you, give them a symbol of your family’s strength and commitment.