Time . . . a precious resource that we yearn for more of. If time went fast before you became a parent, now it truly vanishes before your eyes. Babies turn to toddlers and suddenly your child is driving off to college, and your begging God for just a little more time. There is never enough time in the day to accomplish our aspirations. We whirl from one task to another, resenting distractions that take too long and steal our time. It’s our most precious commodity, and our children recognize it too. They want our time and attention. They know when we are rushing them or brushing them off.
I have one child who never wants me to leave his bed when I am tucking him in at night. He does everything possible to delay my departure, asking me question after question. If I am honest, most evenings I get annoyed by his stalling. I am ready for bed myself and just want to hang my mom hat up for the night.
There are many reasons he could be wanting me to linger longer. My husband says he is manipulating me and he probably is. Regardless of the reason he wants me to stay, he wants time with me. That has to be enough. If I am to love him best, I should capitalize on these moments because I already know they will be gone in a blink. I need to linger longer. I need to give my kids the best of me, as long as they want it. They are worth my time, every second of it!
My eight year old picked up a phrase many years ago that he still uses today, “Ready, Mom?” He says it all day and I want to respond, “I’m always ready.” But the truth is, I’m not. That is why he is asking. He wants my undivided attention watching his trick or listening to his story. He wants to make sure I am locked in on only him. He knows I’m faking it sometimes. That I’m not really ready. I need to be ready. I need to give my kids the best of me, as long as they need it. They are worth my time, every second of it!
I am going to be a grandma later this year and so I have reflected quite a bit on life and how time flies. My baby girl is becoming a mama herself. What a blessing! When your children leave home, the tables turn. It’s me yearning for more time with them. I delight in ANY time I get with my adult children. They do not need to do anything or give me anything. I just want time with them. I want them to linger longer in my presence. Their time is a gift.
Parenting always reminds me of spiritual truths. Our time with God is a gift. He doesn’t need us to do anything for Him, he just wants us to love Him and know Him and linger longer in His presence. We are busy, too busy. We rush from event to event, barely lingering at all. My time with God is often spent the same way. “Let me quick read my Bible, so I can get to this list of things I need to do.” During worship, my mind is fragmented into so many lines of thought that the God that I adore, fights to gets my attention, unless I purpose to do so. I picture Him saying, “Ready, Kim?” as I nod and fixate my attention elsewhere.
There is a story in the Bible about two sisters. One who is busy preparing and serving Jesus and one who sits at His feet and listens to Him, delights in Him, loves Him. Jesus tells us that though serving is great, the better gift is our time, attention, and devotion.
Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
What a challenge this is for me. God loves it when I prioritize time with Him. He knows it’s hard for me to focus, like it probably is for so many of you. I think He delights in the sacrifice we make when we spend our time with Him.
And so I will choose to sit in silence longer and think about how amazing Jesus is; to remind myself of His love and provision; to reflect on His majesty and greatness; to bask in His mercy and grace. I will be ready and I will linger longer. He’s worth my time, every second of it!
“A Little Longer” by Bethel Music
Then I hear You say, I hear You say
“You don’t have to do a thing
Simply be with Me and let those things go
They can wait another minute
Wait, this moment is too sweet
Please stay here with me
And love on Me a little longer”
‘Cause I’m in love with You
So I will wait here at Your feet
It’s where I want to be
Your voice I follow
Jesus, You are everything to me
And I’ll pour out my life
Worship at Your feet
And love on You a little longer
‘Cause I’m in love with You