I look on, my gaze resting on her smiling face. She reaches her hand for the stem before her and gently plucks it, her smiling eyes turning around to meet mine. I have watched her harvest the dandelions of the field on many occasions, but this time was different. Like iron lead, so was the lump that I found resting in my throat. I worked to etch the soft tendrils framing her face full of wonder and glee, this moment, I wanted to freeze in my mind. I listened even closer to the sound of her giggle, burning its melody into my memory. The escalator of time that she was standing on was weighing heavy on me. I watched her blow the seeds into the wind. I drop another memory into my motherhood time-capsule. The words are swishing around in my heart, “The days are long, but the years are short”. The sunlight dances on her hair; and I ask for not a moment to be wasted.
Before the bloom
These are the years where the soft buds of our children are forming. We only have so long, or rather so little time, before the blossom appears. If we are not careful, the blossom will have taken place and left us missing out on the joy and wonder of the bloom. A blossom never returns to the bud, time does not allow for such wishes.
The days of growth are crucial – they are the slow days of tending. If we are so focused on the task, we miss the joy of who it is we are caring. Sometimes we look so forward to seeing the blossom, that we forget about the wonder of the bud in-waiting. Tending the tender buds, guarding for the day of its blossom – it is a task of patience, resilience, and attentiveness. But then the bloom… and the years of attending the bud are but a memory. While the blossom will be beautiful and we will love its new season of growth, I imagine there will be an ache in the remembrance of caring for the bud.
So, as the laughter flows, let us give thanks for the years before the bloom. In the stormy seasons, let us ask for wisdom where we have to guard and tend buds carefully. When joy falls like rain, let us tuck away those memories and store them for when seasons of drought come along.
The years before the bloom are hard, but they are also glorious.
Capturing moments
As we sit here, let us remember the gift of time-present. Laundry will eventually lessen, the messes will gradually stop showing up in various spaces of our home, and sleep will find its way back to us again. But what we have right now…we will never be able to recapture. It happens and it is over, just like that. The winds of change blowing through can not be sucked back in and held.
We cannot pretend that everyday will be perfect. But we can pray for every day to be captured for God’s glory and our good. We can begin by asking for a shift in our mindset and attitude. Let us be the ones who take the little time we have with our children and cultivate it well. The time-capsule of motherhood is before us, may we fill it well.
Ideas to nourish time with your children
Spending time in God’s Word together.
This is about enjoying God with your children. We can easily turn this into a lesson for them or we may approach this dryly…Enter into this time with reverence and awe. Point to the holiness of God and His goodness. Be in wonder of Him ALONG with your children. Make this time about worshiping Him.
A time set aside that is device-free. No phones, tablets, or screens of any kind. Be present with each other. Laugh together. Enjoy conversation with each other.
Read books together
Read-Aloud Revival is a great resource for how to begin and book suggestions.
Start a new hobby together
Learn how to – knit, draw, cook, bake, build, etc. Let this be a group effort
Starting some of these things (or all of them) might be difficult, but it will be worth it. Don’t waste away the years. Hold on to them and may your time spent in them be rich and beautiful.
I am an Oklahoman by birth, a Texan by current living situation, but claim the world as my playground.I love to travel and hope to someday soon take our family on adventures to far off lands, where we can share God with others and experience all the wonders He has created.
I am a mother of 5 crazy, homeschooling children ages 10 & under, wife to an amazing man, and daughter of the King of the Universe!I enjoy reading, making my kids laugh, cooking, all things natural, learning to play guitar and dusting off my piano skills.One day I hope to run again, but until then I’m learning patience.
Today is our last day of the Water Wonders Virtual VBS that lead us to Jesus! It has been so much fun partnering up with Minivan Ministries on this project. We hope you have enjoyed these posts and have allowed the seeds from these lessons to be planted in your hearts and your kids’ heart too! If you missed one be sure to go back and check them out.
Have bread and tuna to remind us that Jesus had just finished feeding more than 5000 people with 2 loaves of bread and 5 fish!
And now for #4 – The Story of how Jesus Walks on Water !
All the miracles are amazing but there is something about hearing the story of Jesus walking on water that all of a sudden makes all of us try to do this in the pool or bathtub.
In Matthew 14:13-33, After feeding the 5,000, Jesus told his disciplines to go to Bethsaida by boat. Then he went to pray. The disciples had a big head start. Because of the strong winds though, the waves were smashing up against the boat all night and they were having a difficult time getting to the other side. Right before sunrise, they saw a figure walking on the water. The disciples were so scared and thought it was a ghost. Jesus yelled out to them not to be afraid because it was him.
Amazed by what they were seeing. Peter said, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come!”
Amazingly, Peter also walked on the water, until he became scared and started doubting. Once that happened, he started to sink.
Jesus saved Peter from sinking. The wind immediately calmed down as soon as they stepped into the boat.
Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying,
“Truly you are the Son of God.”
Q&A
Q: So why now did Jesus decide to walk on water?
A: He was trying to teach his disciples He was everything He said He was!
They were astonished that he could feed 5000 but still doubted His power. This was one more way he could allow them to experience His control over everything He helped create!
Wow! Can you imagine being there? Do you think you would ask to walk out on the water too?
Q: Why was it that Peter started sinking after he was initially able to walk?
A: Because he stopped focusing on Jesus. Peter let the things going on around him distract him from Jesus. Jesus was the only one whose power could hold him up.
Likewise, we need to…
“[fix] our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus perfects our faith! Isn’t that exciting. Jesus said if we had faith as small as a mustard see, we could say to this mountain jump and it would jump. He says it only takes a little for him to be able to work and we see that over and over again in all his miracles.
Prayer
Jesus, we love you and we pray that our faith in you will grow stronger daily. We pray we will focus on you, on what you say and not be afraid. Thank you for loving us and saving us from drowning in our sins, just like you saved Peter frown drowning when his faith was weak. In Jesus’ name – Amen!
Song
This song by Family Force 5 featuring Hillsong Young and Free will get your family dancing while putting this truth in their hearts –
Jesus is everything he says he is!
Fix My Eyes on Jesus Game
This game is perfect to play when talking to our kids about this story.
Purpose:
To teach out kids to keep their focus on Jesus no matter what is happening around them and not to be scared.
What you Need:
Someone to be Jesus – this person will focus on the child and encourage him to continue coming to Jesus’ arms
Pool Noodles (1-2 or more if have more kids)
Water Guns
Water hose
Really anything that can be used to distract the child who is trying to get to Jesus. Ex: Waterballoons, blindfold, popsicles, etc.
Choose the amount of the above items you will to use based on the number of children you have or use a variety to keep the kids on their toes.
How to Play:
Jesus – One person, usually an adult the first several times, will be Jesus and will stand somewhere in the yard. If the child calls out to you, help the child in the way you feel is best.
Focused Child – One child is chosen to fix his eyes on Jesus. This child will stand on the opposite side of the yard from Jesus. His goal is to keep his eyes on Jesus the entire time and make it to the other side of the yard without being distracted.
The distractors – These are the rest of the children who will be holding pool noodles, water guns, the water hose, or whatever else they would like to use to try and distract the child who has his eyes fixed on Jesus. They may step in front of the child and even created obstacles but cannot hold the child back or knock him down.
Let the kids take turns being in different roles.
Talking Points:
If the Focused Child doesn’t call out for help from Jesus, after the game is over talk about how we can call out to Jesus and he will help us.
Even if the child isn’t able to focus on Jesus, talk about how Peter had a difficult time with this too. But later on with practice and prayer, he was able to stand up courageously for Christ even when people where upset with him for following Christ.
Remind the kids that Satan will try and distract us from Jesus. He doesn’t want our eyes fixed on Jesus. He will try to cause us to doubt and fear, but if we remember Jesus is is control of everything then we can have faith and not fear what the devil might do.
When Jesus walked on the water, he did it to show us who is in control. He calls to us like he called to Peter to have faith and trust in Him!
Even if we do get distracted, Jesus is there and will faithfully help us get back on track.
Fixing our eyes on Christ takes practice and prayer!
Have fun!
FREE "Gifts from God" 5 Minute Devotional Ebook
It contains 10 devotionals with thoughts & prayer pages, Bible Journaling pages & Memory Verse Cards.
You have Successfully subscribed! Check your email for your encouraging Ebook.
