Time.

Time flies. Time is of the essence. Time is ticking. Where does time go? Why does it seem there isn’t enough time? Will time ever slow down? My kids had this conversation with me last night. They recognize the speeding time, too.

Since the conversation was with my kids, I spent some time reflecting on how I spend my time with them. Cherishing minutes is a life goal of mine, but time sure does get away. Because we homeschool, I am at home with my kids almost every day, all day. That doesn’t always equate to quality time. You know how when something is always there, it can lose its novelty?

I am choosing this day to carve out a few extra special moments with my kids. One loves to talk about cars. One likes to read me comics or jokes. One asks to be tickled. Sharing these moments of time with them will never be lost time!

There is a poem I printed off and laminated back when my first baby was born. I hung it on my fridge for many years and it was a favorite reminder to SLOW DOWN and TAKE TIME for my kids. Life demands a lot of attention and sometimes we need a little poke of realization for what is truly valuable.

Here is that poem and it still speaks to me today. It is a little lengthy, but I encourage you to read it and consider it.

CHILDREN WON’T WAIT – Helen M. Young

There is a time to anticipate the baby’s coming, a time to consult a doctor;

A time to plan a diet and exercise, a time to gather a layette.

There is a time to wonder at the ways of God, knowing that He guides our every step.

There is a time to dream of what our children may become.

A time to pray that God will teach us how to train the children He gives.

A time to prepare ourselves that we might nurture this new soul.

But soon there comes the time for birth,

For babies won’t wait.

There is a time for night feedings, for colic, for baby tears.

There is a time for rocking and a time for walking the floor.

A time for patience and self-sacrifice,

A time to show our children that this new world is a world of love and goodness and dependability.

There is a time to ponder what a child is–not a pet or a toy.

But a person, an individual–a soul made in God’s image.

There is a time to consider our stewardship.

We cannot possess another human being. Our children are not ours.

We have chosen to care for them, to love them, to enjoy them,

To nurture them, and to answer to God. We resolve to do our best for them.

For babies don’t wait.

There is a time to hold them close and tell them the sweetest story ever told;

A time to show them God in earth and sky and flower,

To teach them to wonder and reverence.

There is a time to leave the dishes, to swing in the park, to run a race,

To draw a picture, to catch a butterfly, to give them happy comradeship.

There is a time to point the way, to teach their infant lips to pray,

To teach their hearts to love God’s Word, to love God’s day,

For children don’t wait.

There is a time to sing instead of grumble, to smile instead of frown,

To kiss away the tears and laugh at broken dishes.

A time to share with them our best in attitudes–a love of life, a love of God, a love of family.

There is a time to answer questions, all their questions, because there may be a time when they will not want our answers.

There is a time to teach them so patiently to obey, to put their toys away.

There is a time to teach them the beauty of duty, the habit of Bible Study, the Joy of worship at home, the peace of prayer,

For children won’t wait.

There is a time to teach them independence, responsibility, self-reliance.

To be firm but friendly, to discipline with love, for soon, so soon,

There will be a time to let them go to try their wings,

For children won’t wait.

There is a time to treasure every fleeting minute of their childhood.

Just eighteen precious years to inspire and train them.

We will not exchange this birthright for a mess of pottage called social position, or business success, or professional reputation.

An hour of concern today may save years of heartache tomorrow.

The house will wait. The dishes will wait. The new room can wait.

But children don’t wait.

There will be a time when there will be no slamming of doors.

No toys on the stairs, no childhood quarrels, no fingerprints on the wallpaper.

Then may we look back with joy and not regret.

There will be a time to concentrate on service outside our home;

On visiting the sick, the bereaved, the discouraged, the untaught,

To give ourselves to the “least of these.”

There will be a time to look back and know that these years of love were not wasted. We pray there will be a time to see our children upright and honest souls, loving God and serving all.

God, GIVE US WISDOM to see that today is the day with our children.

That there is no unimportant moment in their lives.

May we know that no other career is so precious,

No other work so rewarding, no other task so urgent.

May we not defer it nor neglect it, but by Thy Spirit accept it gladly, joyously, and by Thy grace realize that the time is short and our time is now,

FOR CHILDREN WON’T WAIT!

this is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalms 118:24)

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

I was recently asked by a mommy of a 10-month old, “is it weird that you don’t really have to watch your kids anymore? What do you do all day, Jen?”

This question was posed as several other babies and toddlers were making “music” in the room. (My three munchkins are still all under the age of 10, but are quickly developing their independence. They had kept themselves busy and out of trouble for the evening and had helped take care of some of the younger kids.) Actually, I am beginning to recognize how much I have been depending on them to assist me around the house.

As I looked about, I tried recalling what it was like to have a baby around. I tried to remember just a couple of short years ago to the toddler stage. It’s very strange, but I can’t put myself in the daily life from those years.

Oh, I have lots of terrific memories! We literally have tens of thousands of pictures to reference and cherish! I even did an almost-daily video journal for many of those early years. I can remember moments of frustration and exhaustion. I do remember sleepless nights and having difficulty carrying on a conversation without interruptions. The being on-demand at every beckon and the sore shoulders from always carrying someone or something. Being a mom requires constant teaching, guiding, and time–no matter what ages your children may be.

But, my daily life is different now. (Except, I still get plenty of interruptions while trying to have a conversation.) I’m in a new season. I tried explaining to this mama that it is a new and different responsibility. The adventures of my kids as they learn new boundaries and test their levels of independence requires a different energy out of me.

The training is varied now. I can’t just snap my fingers and say “no” to everything. Sometimes a thorough explanation or consequence is necessary. There are times when a “time-out” isn’t enough and some God-given wisdom is prayed for as I sit with my husband and we try to decide what would most effectively shape our child. What was once a broken toy is now a broken built-in desk. Sibling arguments may now include hurtful words, replacing the hitting, kicking, or scratching.

My tasks have changed. There is no need for me to spoon feed my children anymore. There are no more diapers or spit-up rags. There are no pacifiers or baby swings. My kids buckle themselves in to their own car seats. They put on and zip their own coats. I rely on my tough, strong boys to help me shovel snow or carry in groceries. They change the garbages, sweep the floors, fold towels, and can be super-men when I need them to run around and do a rush cleaning. My daughter assists me with laundry and dishes, and is becoming a true help. Our favorite past games like “This Little Piggy” or “Candy Land” are still fun on occasion, but “Monopoly” and other board games are becoming the games of choice.

Our conversation has shifted. Gone are the days of freely speaking our minds in front of our kids, because now even the hushed remarks are partially heard by our eldest son’s ears as he asks what we are talking about. They pay attention to and evaluate everything they hear. It can be a daily chore just making sure I am thinking and speaking right. My monkeys still love to chatter, that has not changed! It’s just different now. The conversations we hold include more sharing of their insights, fears, dreams, and questions. It requires me to learn, research, pray, and puts a responsibility on me to have an opinion or answer. (Or, get one if I don’t!)

While all of this might be a new season, it’s still the year of mommy!

They still need me. We still have toys in every room of the house. We still have crumbs under the table and frequent spills. I still get a sweet cuddle in the morning or before bed. We still say a good night prayer and tuck each child in to bed. They still need an occasional band-aid and want to be held when they are hurting or sad. They still adore a book to be read aloud or a funny song to be sung. I still need to remind them to brush their teeth or take a shower. They still need quality time and a hug.

Too soon this season will be swept away and another new, exciting season will replace it. Today, I choose to rejoice in this season of child raising. Enjoy right where I am.

As I reminisce about the years gone by and ponder our current stage, I pray I can be the mom I need to be for these three the Lord has chosen for me. I pray He will bless me with wisdom and strength for the days and parenting challenges that lay ahead, and forgiveness and grace for the times I fall short. My heart is happy and thankful.

this is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalms 118:24)