Recognizing Vs. Knowing

I am so amazed and proud of my 4 1/2 year old Claire! Claire can officially read! We followed the normal progression of learning the letters of the alphabet, then learning the sounds each one makes, then learning the blends that the can make when placed together. Claire has 'recognized' words for some time, but recognizing a word or name is not the same as reading it. Last week, we sat down and read two simple books. Claire can sound out the letters, and read the words. One of the books even has short sentences (ex: See Tip run.), and Claire can knock it out with ease.
It is the best feeling in the world as a parent to see your child get it - really get something and understand it on their own!
In rejoicing with Claire this week, I can't help but think about this idea of recognizing versus knowing something. Claire recognized her name because other people showed her the letters, and told her it was her name. Before she could read, Claire knew her name because other people knew her name. As Children of God, we first come to recognize God because other people have a relationship with God, and point him out for us. We know God, because other people know God. The goal is that eventually, with enough practice, we'll be able to know God for ourselves. Who taught you to know God? Who are you teaching to recognize God? Never underestimate the gift you have to share with the people around you, by recognizing God's love and life in the world around us and sharing it with others!