September 30, 2011

Listen Slowly

'...teach them to your children...' Deuteronomy 4:9 NKJV

Being a parent is a privilege, so you must convince your children that they're more important to you than career success or acquiring material things. Never miss a chance to tell them you love them. Be there!

Being a parent is a responsibility. God doesn't hold the government or the school system responsible for your children, He holds you responsible! 'Do not forget the things your eyes have seen...Teach them to your children and to their children after them.' Being a parent is a limited opportunity. If you neglect them long enough, your children will conclude they're not as important to you as the things you keep sacrificing them for. When that happens you've effectively lost them. Is that a price you're prepared to pay? If not, rearrange your priorities.

In his book Avoiding Stress Fractures, Charles Swindoll writes, 'I vividly remember some time back being caught in the undertow of too many commitments and too few days. It wasn't long before I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions through the day. Before long, things around our house started reflecting the pattern of my hurry-up style. It was becoming unbearable. I distinctly recall after supper one evening the words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me about something important that had happened to her at school that day. She hurriedly began, "Daddy-I-want-to-tell-you-something-and-I'll-tell-you-really-fast." Suddenly, realising her frustration, I answered, "Honey, you can tell me...and you don't have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly." I'll never forget her answer: "Then listen slowly."'

Gosh - I love that.

No time for the blog today. I spent the morning on a big walk with a friend, and Nixon. We contemplated an NA meeting but then much to my friend's frustration we flagged it. I just was not in the mood to spend one minute of this beautiful day inside a big room talking about drugged out pasts and current struggles. I guess i kinda wanted to enjoy the NOW.

I have managed to spend a couple of hours in the sunshine working in my garden. I am officially done weeding. Time to invest in some seeding mix and start planting now. That was quick. I didn't think i would get through all those weeds as fast as i have.

I have a hot date tonight which will consist of hanging out with two little girls and a Barbie dvd. Unfortunately, my own children are social things that have no need for me tonight. I am feeling a bit like the Dad in that Cat's in the Cradle song that i used to love so much as a kid. You know - When you coming home children? I don't know mum, but we'll get together then, mum - you know we'll have a good time then.....yeah that song. My children are officially too busy for me so i have to adopt someone else's for the weekend.

Back later - when the Barbie movie starts giving me a headache. I need to get me some more of that sunshine while i still can.



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