Daily Guideposts - 20 Day SampleSample

No Greater Prize

If I could be a young mother again, I’d slow down, enjoy the little things.
Last summer, we took our first family vacation since our three children were young. Reminiscing before we left, I studied old photos—Thomas lining matchbox cars in the sand, Katie wearing her red sunhat and Jamie gathering seashells with her daddy. Back then, I hurried through my days, assuming I’d always be driving carpools and making lunches.

God, I want a chance to recreate those sweet moments. But how? It’s too late. A ridiculous idea skipped across my heart. Get vacation goody bags again.

I headed to the toy aisle at the grocery store. Thomas’ girlfriend Brittany would be joining us, so I’d make one for her too. The kitten coloring book was perfect for Jamie. Katie and Brittany were dog-lovers, so I grabbed two puppy coloring books and three packs of crayons. Thomas? Grape sports drinks for when he fishes. I also gathered handfuls of candy.

Would my adult children laugh at me? Ignore my attempts to connect us? I felt a little foolish.

However, as soon as we arrived at the beach, I handed out their bags, explaining nervously, “Don’t get too excited. It’s nothing—”

“Wow! Thanks, Mom.” Thomas opened a box of candy.
“Coloring books and crayons—cool,” Katie murmured.
“How’d you remember how much I love to color?” Jamie’s blue eyes met mine.

I smiled. How could I forget?

We held coloring contests every night. I never won, but there was no greater prize than togetherness and laughter with my children.

Lord, show me what matters most—every day of my life.

—Julie Garmon
Digging Deeper: Prov. 31:27–29