"SPENDING Time"

Today is Sunday and I didn't get to attend church. I hungrily began my devotions and in doing so came upon the notation in my journal that took me back to the date when I was just about to start my journey to be with my oldest son and his family in Missouri.

The devotional that I'm about to quote from brings back many fond memories of the time I 'spent' this summer as I got the chance to really know my six wonderful grandkids while we enjoyed many meals together and I read to them and watched them play ball or took the girls shopping or just stood amazed at their individual personalities.

Along with the time I had in Missouri, I also enjoyed a little 'quality time' when I took a side journey to Kentucky where I spent a short amount of time with my other grandkids...especially the oldest! Mixed with his hospitality was the time watching the older girls play soccer and they are really good, plus watching a 5 yr. old cheer for her team...amazing! I can remember back to what it was like to sit out in all kinds of weather as my own children were participating in such activities.

But, back to the reason I'm sharing this blog today:

"GOD'S WONDERFUL GIFT" from Checklist for Life for Women. (an excerpt)

"...The most important messages you convey to your children are the unspoken ones. Your good example helps children learn the difference between right and wrong. No sermon or lecture will affect children so much as watching the choices you make and knowing that they can count on you to be consistent.

SPEND TIME TOGETHER WITH YOUR CHILDREN. LIFE CAN BE BUSY AND COMPLICATED, BUT YOUR CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW THAT THEY COME FIRST. MEALTIME, BEDTIME, PLAYTIME, HELPING WITH HOMEWORK, ATTENDING SHCOOL FUNCTIONS--THESE MOMENTS ARE PRICELESS. A CHILD GROWS UP QUICKLY, AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE TOGETHER HAS COME AND GONE."

I can most assuredly attest to the truth of the last statement. When it seemed my role as Mom and carpool driver was never going to end...it did and now I would happily return to that job for the joy of having my children near me. We take for granted that good things will last but they don't always. God's word tells us that children are a blessing and sometimes, when they're acting up it's difficult to remember that! Nevertheless, THEY REALLY ARE!