2:223 – Just Be There

#faithbites #faithjourney

I’m a busy guy. Heck, we are all busy. On the weekends, I would love nothing more than to sleep in, do some take, play video games, and have Sol time. Most of the time, that doesn’t happen as I have two girls who want Daddy time.

Today, was waking up early and playing PJ Masks with my youngest. Then during rest time, playing Legos, and talking with not kids. Next, was watching silly YouTube video, and finally watching an episode of Arrow with my eldest.

They want my time, and I will give it. Sometimes begrudgingly, but I do. 18 years may seem like a long time, but it’s gone in a flash. No snuggles, no watching TV, no playing Legos. They may forget the playing, but won’t forget you being present in your family and friends lives.

Scripture

• Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6
• Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. – 1 Timothy 5:8

Reflection

As parents, we know we have to provide food, water, shelter, clothes, education, etc. These are our basic duties as parents. But there is so much more to it. The old adage,

“Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime”, isn’t just talking about food, but also how to live. If you spend time with your family, you are speaking life into your great grand children. They will know parents you share your values.

We follow that up in Timothy, where we have to provide for their spiritual growth as well. This includes the scriptures, God’s love, and more. If we don’t know our kids, how do we speak life into them? To know them, we have to spend time with them.

Yes, we all want a little me time. I’m trying to balance me with them, and often lean towards them. I hope I show an example of balance but if love for their children.

Charge

Are you spending enough time with your family? Quality time of playing and just being? Set up time for eating your family individually, playing games, and just hanging out. You will be rewarded for that time in ways you can’t imagine.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, thank you for giving us family and friends. You have told us to nurture those relationships. Give us the energy to do all the hinges we have to and strike a healthy balance between our own time and time with them. 18 years will be gone in a flash, but your love, and showing your love to them, is present forever. Thank you for giving us your strength and Grace. in your Name, Amen.