Parenting by Design Daily DevotionalSample

JUST SAY "NO"

Parenting puts tremendous demands on our time and energy. These demands can start before our kids get up in the morning and last long after they've fallen asleep. In addition we often find ourselves meeting the needs of others in our family, people at work, and friends.

Jesus knows the extent of your weariness. Many people besieged Him when they discovered He could heal the sick and perform miracles. There was no end to the ingenious ways they devised just to touch Him or get His attention (see Luke 5:18-19). He recognized the huge demand for His time.

But, Jesus also knew the only way He could deal with the demand for His time was to spend time alone with His Father to rest, pray, and recharge His batteries. It wasn't selfish; it was the most loving thing He could do for His children. It gave Him the energy and strength to deal with their many issues.

Sometimes saying "no" to your kids so you can spend quality time with your Heavenly Father is the most loving thing you can do.