This morning it was just me and him.
The older two went to the movies, Silas was sleeping.
Memories of only child Eli came wafting back. Ezra would never get to be the only child, but at that moment he was my only child. I purposely turned off the tv, put down my phone and got down on his level.
A dump truck dropped off its load of cars at the toy box.
Blocks were stacked, counted and tumbled down the chute.
The school bus took a dizzying ride.
We watched the man working outside.
He made the fire alarm go off and it was very exciting!
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Intentionality. Focus. Mindfulness.
Our house is usually alive with noise: a hungry baby crying, a brother and sister fighting, cartoons singing and a dishwasher running. These moments of quiet and solitude are few and far between. What once was common and taken for granted is no longer even desired because it has been forgotten.
I used to spend hours laying on Eli’s floor, lining up his cars (because he’s organized just like his mama). Today I realized that it’s been quite a while since I just played.
::
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters;
He restores my soul…
Ps 23:2-3b
These moments alone with my children are precious to me. As much as it’s my responsibility to ensure that they have a clean home and healthy meals, I believe it is also vital that they know they are loved and enjoyed.
I’ve always appreciated the Father/Child relationship that the Bible provides us as a picture of how God views us. Yes, God is the Almighty Creator of the Universe, however He’s also our Abba Father. My children need that private time with me, whether it’s playing in their room, going out for ice cream or just snuggling together on their special night. How much more so do I need that private time with my Father?
The noises of my home. The pressures of responsibilities. The weariness of my body and mind have all kept me from intentionally seeking Him out. Those moments I eek out for prayer tend to be filled with my laundry list of needs: strength, patience, resources, healing, rest.
I pray for rest, but don’t seek it.
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jer 29:13
The Lord is my Shepherd. He makes me…He leads me…He restores…
I’ve forgotten…
What have you forgotten? How do you find private time with God?
0 Responses
Love this! In fact, it’s the exact same thing I wrote about two weeks ago for Tuesdays Unwrapped – the novelty of my youngest child being the only child for a week while my big boy was off camping. It was such a blessed time.
Lovely post, I’m looking forward to checking out your blog further. Thank you so much for stopping by and your kind comments!
I find that this is something I frequently need to be reminded of. I go and go and forget about the relationship. It’s my task oriented-ness coming out. Haha!
Love this! In fact, it’s the exact same thing I wrote about two weeks ago for Tuesdays Unwrapped – the novelty of my youngest child being the only child for a week while my big boy was off camping. It was such a blessed time.
Lovely post, I’m looking forward to checking out your blog further. Thank you so much for stopping by and your kind comments!
I find that this is something I frequently need to be reminded of. I go and go and forget about the relationship. It’s my task oriented-ness coming out. Haha!
Enjoyed your post. True words.
Thanks, Gayle!
Enjoyed your post. True words.
Thanks, Gayle!
I’m your newest follower from iFellowship! I’m so glad I took the time to read your blog!!
I loved this post!! I get up @ 4:30am to have quiet, uninterupted time with God. I love my time with Him and time to set the day of the right foundation – and that frankly is what motivates me to get up so early.
I love the way you described time with you little boy! Very inspiring!
If you have a chance – I would LOVE for you to come see me too at Living Above!
Have a great Wednesday!
Wow! 4:30 AM?! That takes dedication, but I’m sure it’s very worth it. I’ll be stopping by your blog later today. 🙂 Thanks for the comment.
I’m your newest follower from iFellowship! I’m so glad I took the time to read your blog!!
I loved this post!! I get up @ 4:30am to have quiet, uninterupted time with God. I love my time with Him and time to set the day of the right foundation – and that frankly is what motivates me to get up so early.
I love the way you described time with you little boy! Very inspiring!
If you have a chance – I would LOVE for you to come see me too at Living Above!
Have a great Wednesday!
Wow! 4:30 AM?! That takes dedication, but I’m sure it’s very worth it. I’ll be stopping by your blog later today. 🙂 Thanks for the comment.
This post is so very true…and is such a reflection of my own home!
I pray that I will be more humbled to sit and play with my kids as well as sit and relax in my Father’s Presence!
Stopping by to say “hi” from ifellowship day!
Many blessings for a great day!
So often what I write here is what I need to hear. I love having a blog to remind me of the things God wants to tell me. Praying you get moments to spend with your kids in play and God in prayer today! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
This post is so very true…and is such a reflection of my own home!
I pray that I will be more humbled to sit and play with my kids as well as sit and relax in my Father’s Presence!
Stopping by to say “hi” from ifellowship day!
Many blessings for a great day!
So often what I write here is what I need to hear. I love having a blog to remind me of the things God wants to tell me. Praying you get moments to spend with your kids in play and God in prayer today! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
How wonderful! It sounds like your morning was refreshing in more ways than one. I used to love just sitting on the floor, playing with my kids when they were little. Now it’s hectic and loud and no one plays on the floor any more. Thanks for the reminder. I need to take some time.
Dawn, I totally get you with the hectic and loud. This was a rare moment for me, and I think that’s why I relished it so. 🙂 Glad you stopped by from iFellowship.
How wonderful! It sounds like your morning was refreshing in more ways than one. I used to love just sitting on the floor, playing with my kids when they were little. Now it’s hectic and loud and no one plays on the floor any more. Thanks for the reminder. I need to take some time.
Dawn, I totally get you with the hectic and loud. This was a rare moment for me, and I think that’s why I relished it so. 🙂 Glad you stopped by from iFellowship.
Forgot to tell you I’m visiting from iFellowship today!
Forgot to tell you I’m visiting from iFellowship today!