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)
I Will Rejoice 