Did you ever see the show, Kids say the Darndest Things? It has been rebooted several times, originally hosted by Art Linkeletter, and others such as Bill Cosby, and recently Tiffany Haddish. It is hilarious to watch a comedian sit with a child and have a conversation. They are sweet, random, and hilarious interchanges that highlight the simple sweetness of a child’s mind.
I felt like I was on that show recently.
We were having a story-time battle. Well wrestling match to be specific, during a time the kids were supposed to be quieting down in prep for bedtime. Warnings given and I in my stern mommy voice tried to communicate why story-time was so important to me. So, I asked how much does mommy love books? Then my six-year-old answered ‘as much as you love God’, and I was dumbstruck.
I was expecting the answer, ‘a lot’, but instead my priorities got challenged.
I do have to confess that since starting this blog journey and NANOWRIMO, last November, books and writing have moved up in my priority list. This is a positive thing for the most part, because it is in obedience to what God has put on my heart for a long time. But there are times I walk away from opportunities to spend time with God or my kids, because writing brings me such joy.
But I don't want books and God to be on the same level. I want God to be first, but if my six-year-old doesn't see it, then something has got to change. But then comes the hard question. Have I made this goal an idol over the God I love and am doing this all for?
Since this priority check, I am striving to ensure I have time with God and in prayer before posting anything on the blog or social media, and to really set boundaries between writing time and family time.
But my question in this post is how are you doing?
He wants our priorities to be in line with his, and the best way to keep these in check is to spend time with him. Now this can look different depending on what stage of parenting or life you are in. We can’t all be like Martin Luther and spend the first three hours of the day in prayer.
Even if it is a serenity prayer before your feet hit the ground in the morning, a five-minute devotional, or an hour digging deep in His word, is time well spent. This struggle of time spent with God always reminds me of Robert Munger’s My Heart Christ’s Home Article. Where the main character is showing Jesus around the House of his heart and they come to the living room and make a promise to spend time together there every day. Their time together starts our long and meaningful before business gets in the way and spending time with Jesus get forgotten. Then Jesus says, "The trouble with you is this: you have been thinking of the quiet time, of the Bible study and prayer time, as a factor in your own spiritual progress, but you have forgotten that this hour means something to me also. Remember, I love you. I have redeemed you at great cost. I value your fellowship. Now," He said, "do not neglect this hour if only for my sake. Whatever else may be your desire, remember I want your fellowship!"
It is always a humbling article to read, and to really think about the priorities of my heart. I hope you will take time today or this week to process and pray over your priorities and time with the Lord. For time with him never returns void, and will always move us to be a better parent, spouse, or person.