Time Flies!
Where does the time go? It seems like only a few years ago when I gook my daughter to her first day of kindergarten. This past weekend she got married. Kindergarten was a ‘brief’ twenty-seven years ago! Time passes quickly.
Time = Life
Time is that intangible force that governs our lives, and often seems to slip through our fingers faster than we can grasp it.
All the ‘Times’
Parents with young children know how important a schedule is, a way of keeping track of time commitments and the needs of their kids. There are nap times, learning times, play times, quiet times, times to visit, and bedtimes. We have appointments, arrival times, pick-up times, and meal times.
It can take only one block of time getting delayed or extended to mess up the schedule. So there are waiting times, patience-building times, and go-with-the-flow times. Sometimes we have to be a bit flexible with schedule.
The Time Taker
Procrastination.
It can mess up our schedules and our good intentions. I procrastinated scheduling a doctor appointment and now must wait several weeks to see her. If I had called on time, the appointment would be in the past. Also, why do I procrastinate moving the folded laundry from basket to drawer? It only takes five minutes! (Sigh.)
Procrastination is the ‘thief of time’.
Seeing how quickly my children went from child to adult, highlights the fact that time does pass, whether or not we schedule it, whether or not we procrastinate, whether or not we intended to get something done but didn’t. If you’re still parenting young ones, there is one thing – one most important thing – that I highly recommend you do not procrastinate: nurturing your child’s faith.
Schedule It and Let it Happen Naturally
God’s Word advises us to use our time wisely because He knows that there are many things in life that can distract us from what truly matters. Don’t wait until “next week” or “some day” or for “perfect” conditions to teach your child about God’s love. Those are all procrastination tactics that the enemy uses to keep you and your children from growing in their faith.
“Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.”
Proverbs 27:1
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents to “teach [your children] diligently,” throughout the day. When you’re at home sitting on the couch, in the yard playing, walking, …”and when you lie down, and when you rise”. Take advantage of the teachable moments throughout the day.
I(t’s also important to plan (scheduled) times for teaching children about God, nurturing their faith. That might look like reading a Bible story, praying together, studying scripture together.
We’re Here to Help
At Community Congregational Church, we care about helping to nurture your whole family to grow in faith. We offer adult Bible studies, prayer ministries, and spiritual formation for children. Parents, don’t delay! In the ‘big picture’, the time that you have with your children is short – it flies (remember my newly married daughter was just starting school a few short (27) years ago)! Make the most of your days.
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—
Psalm 39:4
how fleeting my life is.”
Happy parenting & God bless,
Peggy Kelly
Family Ministry
cccbillerica.org