Taking Time

Can you believe there are only a few days left in the year? Ringing in a new year can bring many mixed emotions: a little excitement, a little relief, a little anxiety, a little panic.

Some of you are already armed with confetti poppers, ready to shout from your rooftop, “Happy New Year!” While others may be having a harder time letting go of this year—perhaps thinking of a great loss, a disappointment, or simply mourning time gone too quickly.

I think when we look at our kids growing like weeds, we can all relate to that old saying: “The days are long, but the years are short.”

With kids, we’re caught in a strange time warp where some days it feels like we will never be able to sleep through the night or get through potty training, temper tantrums, learning to read, teen hormones, and physics homework. (Seriously… physics?!) On the other hand, the years go by, and their launch date into independent adulthood looms, which can sometimes choke us with dread. It all leaves us overwhelmed by the ground-hog day cycle or lost in trying to hold back time.

Our only hope in all of this is the one who controls time, is not limited by time, and lives eternally. We need to trust him with our time. We need to find contentment in the present time and season, not rushing forward or holding back but living this day as God gives it to us.

Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.

Psalm 90:12 (CEV)

How can we take time as it is given to us? Build in margins in the day so we aren’t rushed. Value each day for the gift it is and not only what can be accomplished in it. Trust this is a good season and the new one will come when it is due; trusting the manufacturer of the seasons doesn’t need our help. Find God’s goodness in this day—this is how we can take time as it is given to us. These are ways we can begin to use the time we have in wise and God-honoring ways. And when we model these behaviors and attitudes for our kids, it is an incredible, indispensable gift we give them.

PRAY

Lord, teach us to number this day, this coming year, as the gift it is. Help us to show our children how to take time. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What was your favorite moment about this past year? What is your favorite moment about today?

Apply: While it may be easy for some to think of their favorite thing from the entire year, for many, this is a difficult task that takes some time to think through. However, thinking of your favorite part of today is usually easier. Encourage your kids through this exercise to enjoy the time we have today and thank God for it daily!

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Revelation 21:6