Next Generation Ministry Blog

I'm reading a book called The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell - it's outstanding!! She shares a story that struck me as poignant for those of us trying to parent well - for those of us trying to make the most of the weeks we have.

"I don't remember the exact words I spoke as my children arrived sleepily in the kitchen hoping for something warm to eat for breakfast.  Busy with an email, I was already distracted at 6:30 a.m. I waved them away and muttered something to the tune of  'Get your own breakfast.'  Seriously? I had no more than thirty minutes with the kids before they headed out the door to school, and this was how I greeted them? I didn't even make eye contact. My children didn't give two flips about what kind of breakfast I served (as long as there was no visible spinach). They were just sleepy, hungry, and wanted some help getting food. Actually, what they wanted was me."

Actually, what they wanted was me.

Not only are our weeks limited (940 weeks from birth to graduation), but the moments in the day are limited as well.  There are only so many moments we have with our kids before the taskmaster of the calendar takes over.  So - let me ask: what do you want to do with those moments?  Distance yourself from your kids OR move in closer??

Now, before y'all send me email about how crazy the morning is, how many things are trying to get accomplished at once...before you tweet that Pastor Brian has lost it...please know, I'm with you.  I GET IT.  The mornings are crazy.  There IS a lot going on.  But, from my perspective, all the more reason to move closer to your kids rather than distance yourself.

You see, our kids will be battered by the day - and in the morning, we are strategically positioned to coach/train them for what is coming.  We are strategically positioned to flood them with encouragement, to ground them in hope.  We are strategically positioned to provide the loving word they need as fuel for their day.

You are strategically positioned to remind your son/daughter that you are with them and for them.

Friends, I don't want you to miss the morning moments.  I don't want you to miss your opportunity to move closer to your kids.  I don't want you to miss your opportunity.  I know, we won't get it right everyday - but that shouldn't keep us from trying.  

Let's make the most of our morning moments.  

I'd love to hear from some of you - how do YOU make the most of your morning moments?