The Days are Precious

Like many of you this weekend, I sat in horror as the news rolled in that a deranged man had opened fire on a crowded parking lot of people waiting to see Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona. Shock turned to sadness as word rolled in that several people had been killed, including a 9-year-old little girl.

Today, I thought about blogging about helping your kids deal with tragedy, but as I sat down to write, the only thing I could focus on was that 9-year-old little girl who went to the supermarket parking lot with a neighbor because she was interested in how our democratic republic works. She had just been elected to the student council. Her name was Christina Taylor Green.

As I hugged my 9-year-old close after the news, I was reminded of an important truth that we as parents need to keep in mind. We have no idea for how long God will entrust these precious little souls to our keeping. We always assume that we have a lifetime, and we do, but we don't know the number of days in that lifetime. I remind of you of this thought, not so you become fearful, but so that you will realize the importance of each day with your kids.

Whether we get 3 months, 9 years or 65 years with our kids, every day is precious. We should treat every day as the gift that it is. Take advantage of every moment. Use those moments to teach, to love and to make memories. Thank God for each day He gives you to train your children. Remember that even in the midst of days when your kids won't obey, when they are rude to others and when you wonder who is raising those kids, the days with your kids are precious.

Make it a point not to waste your days. Even in the midst of busyness, find ways to let your kids know you love them. Be intentional in seeking out the teachable moments to leave your kids with a firm grasp not only on your love but on the love of God. Take time to do something special and make memories.

Psalm 90:12 tells us "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." When we realize that each day is a precious commodity, we become wiser in our choices about how to spend it.

So, today, be sure to let your kids know you love them, find a moment to teach them, pray for them and make a memory with them. Because today is precious.