Do you know someone like me? Many days I am so focused on goals and my “to-do” list that I miss out on everyday interactions. At school, I may be so busy trying to recruit new volunteers that I forget to make friends. At a meeting, my goal is to efficiently complete the agenda and I don’t notice the group member in need of extra time and attention. At home, my focus is on paying bills, making beds and cleaning up. Did I forget the children in the midst of all the chores?
September 22nd marked the 7th annual “Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children.” This national initiative was created to remind parents about the importance of “parental engagement in their children’s lives.” Where are our priorities as a society that we need a holiday to remind people to sit down as a family and spend time with our families?
To be honest, I had to check my calendar to tell you where we were on the 22nd. It was a typical day spent racing from one activity to the next: a carefully coordinated schedule of pick-ups and drop-offs. I think we ate dinner together but I imagine our conversation was centered on, “hurry up and eat so you won’t be late for your next activity.”
The busyness seems to cut across all generations. My parents are retired, yet their schedules are full: doctors appointments, tee times, book clubs, bridge matches, gardening, errands, shopping, etc. Our days are filled with activity, but are our lives full? Are we so busy pulling weeds that we don’t take time to smell the roses?
I have a prayer on my bathroom mirror. Each morning as I start my day it reminds me to “trust God that [I] am exactly where [I] am meant to be.” He chose this family, this time and this place for me. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s power in my life and of His plan. After all, it’s His agenda that counts, not mine.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:1-2).
Today I will reach out to those around me. I will be content knowing that God has a plan for me. In my family, my neighborhood and my community I can demonstrate His love. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22).
I will grow where I’ve been planted.
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2 comments:
I know exactly what you mean. My children do not have a lot of activities but even the activities of scouting and Christian education along with our work schedules keep us busy. Sometimes at night I reflect on my day and wish I had listened to my sons a little more.
And yet I thank God for the treasured time we have each day. The same boys that I try to spend time in the word each day with will sometimes remind me.
My youngest will come to me with our daily devotional and we will read the morning reflection together. It used to make me sad that I am not more consistant and do not do this with them each morning. Now I feel blessed that they want to share the reflection time and bring it to me.
I need to sit down and really look at our schedule and see what we can give up. Our time with our children is growing shorter and I don't want to regret the moments I can never get back. Thank you for reminding me what is so precious and important.
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