Nadie is officially a first grader. She went for her first day of class last week and Oliver will start this week. He will be going two days a week at our church’s PDO. I am super excited about all of this. It means, for once in over six years, I will have a chunk of a day where my children will be in the care of someone other than myself. It means that I won’t have to sneak to the bathroom, referee any fights, try to perfectly execute putting the top on a sippie cup, or ask anyone to use an inside voice one day a week for a few hours. Fun stuff! And while I’m not exactly sure how I will be spending this new free time, I am sure it will not be disappointing.
It will be fun, but I also know that I will miss them while they are gone. Funny how that works. Stephen and I notice it too on those rare date nights. Inevitably we end up talking about the kids and missing them. I suppose it is because they are our constant responsibility. We clothe and feed them, bathe them, instruct and teach them. Basically, we sustain them in almost every way. They are also a part of us as they are our own flesh and blood. So while some days I can think of nothing better than a few minutes without them, ultimately I desire to be with them because I love them so much.
I am learning that my heavenly Father feels the same way about me. He provides for me and sustains me for I am His. He desires to spend time with me. He misses me when I get all tangled up in my day to day activities and neglect that time with Him. It is something that I am so guilty of these days! Part of being in a relationship is spending time together. I cannot know my Lord in the intimate way He desires if I am not in prayer and in his Word.
I always tell Nadie and Oliver how much better life would be if they would choose to obey. If they would make good choices it would allow their Mama and Daddy to do fun things with them that there is no time for when we have to constantly discipline and repeat requests. If they would obey it would revolutionize their life for the greater good of everyone. Wow! Really, Anna?? Isn’t that the same thing that God is telling me? He rewards those who seek Him! He pours His blessings on the obedient! What am I missing out on by not having that time with God?
Quiet time is something I am really working on these days. It’s kind of funny because “quiet” is not an adjective that comes to mind when I think of our lives. But, as I am learning, it has to be intentional. Something that I plan for and put as a top priority. So, as we get back into school, Wednesday Night Alive, FPU, soccer, and everything else, I will be adding Mama/God time to our already packed schedule. It is a matter of obedience. And I am excited that the Lord has called me out on this. I am anxious to see what He is going to do. One thing is for certain, it will NOT be disappointing!
