“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100: 5
Intentionally marking moments with our children creates a living legacy of the many Scriptures reminding us to daily refocus on God’s goodness. Let’s resolve to live each day, not mindlessly ignoring the challenging world we face, but teaching our children to thrive in it. For Christ has already overcome the world. (John 16:16) The Father’s love will never falter based upon any missteps we make or misfortune we endure. Practice putting these five elements into play with your children this week, and watch the ball of joy roll through your house, and your life.
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1. Make Time for Dinner Dates
Family dinners have long since been toted as a way to ensure a healthy childhood. But what about those of us who barely share the same air throughout the busy routine of family life? We, too, can still reap the benefits. Take dinner on the road to lend support before or after a game or practice. If dinner has to be at a later hour so that it can be enjoyed together, provide healthy snacks on the go in the afternoon. On weekends, consider moving the main family meal to breakfast or lunch, or even ice cream together after everyone is home under the same roof again.
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"We’re all much more likely to be of good cheer and conversation when we’re relaxed..."
God tells us over and over in Scripture not to worry and not to fear. Family mealtime included. By learning how to adapt, yet still keep an obvious priority on daily family time and discussion every day, we are molding good and realistic memories for our kids. We’re all much more likely to be of good cheer and conversation when we’re relaxed than if we have to force a meal into a twenty minute window of time when our schedules overlap.
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2. Write Notes and Lunch Jokes
I used to hand write an admittedly sappy lunch note to my kids every day, but as they grew up I opted for jokes. Pinterest has tons of creative souls that craft up kid-friendly jokes for lunches. It saves me time to pick from a pre-printed stack rather than hand write one every day, too. It’s a way for them to remember that I always remember them. I know they might need a laugh half-way through the day, and it gives them good conversations starters at the lunch table.
It doesn’t have to be lunch notes. Good luck notes before a test, verses to encourage and speak to something they are going through, even a favorite snack ready when they get home all show our kids that we are invested and paying attention to what’s going on in their lives.
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3. Frame Great Moments to Remember
There are few ways to plant visual reminders out around the house in an effort to keep the celebratory times top of mind. As the days roll on, they forget about the magical vacation we took or the winning goal they scored. At the change of each season, freshen up the pictures in frames around the house, placing them on their desks where homework is done, and around the family room so eyes glance upon them as they watch TV. In their rooms, stick fun memories on their mirrors and in frames around their room. It takes a little effort, but it’s worth it.
Life can pass by so quickly if we’re not intentionally pausing to remember and praise God for the wonderful moments, the things we accomplish with hard work, and the family we are blessed with.
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4. Drop Extra Activities Every Once in a While
I am constantly amazed at how busy my elementary children’s lives are. The school day is pack, and the after school activities and homework barely leave enough time to play in the neighborhood and just be kids. To alleviate the pressure, drop it every once in a while. The schedule. The to-do list. Even homework, sometimes. Every once in a while our children need to know that they are valued for more than what they do or how they perform. Stop to celebrate who they are every once in a while.
Whatever is near you, whatever it is that you and your kids like to do, take a break and go do it. Radically love them beyond their expectations. Really, all we’re doing is passing it down.
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5. Turn the Radio Up
Most families spend a lot of time in the car. Over the years, we’ve both cranked up the tunes to sing and turned them down to talk. We’ve had moments of laughter and moments when I’ve pondered who to partner with to make sound proof limo glass an option for my car. Either way, the time spent shuttling kids takes up a lot of time. We can maximize that time for so many things. Help with homework, a safe place to unload a hard day, laughter sharing funny stories, or just turning up the music and singing along. With a little effort, we can make memories even in the car ride to wherever we’re going.
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"We, as parents, get a front row seat to watch them come alive..."
My youngest likes to stick her hand out the window when we’re the only ones on the road. She likes the wind blowing in her face and through her hair, and she begs me to take the long and winding way around the lake, so she can watch for big ships. She’s creating memories and drifting into who God made her to be, and I love to watch it all unfold.
We, as parents, get a front row seat to watch them come alive and then go off and live. Mark as many moments as you can. Celebrate the everyday, and keep the extraordinary (both the highs and the tough challenges they face and overcome) top of mind.
Meg Bucher writes about everyday life within the love of Christ on her blog, https://sunnyand80.org. She is a stay-at-home mom, freelance writer, blogger, and preparing to release her first book, “Friends with Everyone.” She resides in Northern Ohio with her husband of eleven years, two daughters, and their Golden-doodle.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Sarah Sharp
Originally published Wednesday, 12 September 2018.
