Key Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:6b A time to keep and a time to throw away.

Devotional:

We have all been there when we just wish our kids would grow up a little faster; feed themselves, drive themselves to practice. In the business of life, we can forget that these moments are fleeting. how fleeting these moments are, We forget to “stop to smell the roses”. In our family, dinner time at the family table is not an option. Even if it’s at 9:00 at night, we all sit down to share a meal together. I know there are very few years left that I have both my boys in the house, so I try to take advantage of every evening. We embrace the season of keeping, by being present, actively listening, and savoring the simple joys of everyday life.

On the flip side of that, sending my child off to camp for the first time was hard. I love it when our whole family is under one roof, so to have him off on his own for an entire week wrecked me. I know that I was trying to hold on and it was time to let go. God reminds us that there is a time to keep our kids close and there is a time to let them move forward without us.

Everyone has an opinion about the right way to parent but once you are a parent you learn that every child is different. Every child’s needs are different. I remember when we sent my first child to “time out” when he was young. He would have a specific amount of time he had to stay in “time out”, then we would come together to discuss what he had done wrong and what needed to change. Then we would send him back to play. It was so simple.

But not my second child, oh the second child! We learned very quickly that we had to throw out that version of “time out” and not set a specific amount time. If he wasn’t ready to talk, there was no reasoning with him. He was always in “time out” longer than the time we would have given him, but he needed that time to calm down. We would tell him that he could come out when he was ready. Once he was ready, we would talk and send him on his way. Such a small difference but one that I have kept with me as I continue to parent him. He needs more space and time. 

Throwing out what worked with one child and learning how to best parent each child God has blessed you with is a challenge but one that is truly worth it in the end. It requires discernment and humility to recognize when our parenting methods need adjustment. Seek God’s wisdom, be open to change, and let go of anything that hinders your child’s growth and God’s work in their lives.

Questions for reflection:

• How do you intentionally embrace the time you have with your kids?
• Reflect on your parenting, is there something you need to change or let go of in this season?