Before Lucas was baptized (3 years ago), we attended preparation classes at our church. One of the classes discussed various ways to teach the Catholic faith to him. At the time, he was just a few months old. It felt like it would be a LONG time before I needed any of that information.
And then, I blinked. Lucas is at the PRIME age for learning and growing in faith.
One thing that stood out to me during those classes was the section that talked about building memories and traditions. One of the pages said, “Children spell love T-I-M-E.”
This has always been in my mind and in my heart, but sometimes I let the busyness of life get in the way of spending real time with my kids.
The other day, Lucas and I put together a puzzle while Caroline napped. As we put the pieces together, we talked about silly things. We laughed. His imagination ran wild with one story after another. As I sat across from him, genuinely invested in this simple moment, I suddenly understood. This quiet, yet quality time is exactly how Lucas knows that I love him.
It’s the moments where we interact together. When I allow his personality to shine through. It’s the time I give him free from distractions. No T.V. No phone. No computer. No cooking dinner or cleaning the house. I wasn’t even chasing after his sister!
Our days could certainly use more time like that. He’s three (almost four) years old! He’s getting bigger and bigger before my eyes. His little sister is already 16 months old. When I think about the hours and all the days I’ve wasted on worry, stress, and distractions, it breaks my heart in two.
We all deserve better than that!
What is getting in the way of real, genuine time with your children? Or your husband? Or your family? Or other valuable relationships? We all spell love T-I-M-E, don’t we?
I’d like to challenge you to spend some real, quality time with the important people in your life today. No distractions. Turn off the T.V. Sit down for dinner together. Step away from the Internet. You better believe I’ll be doing the same!
Life happens when we spend time with the ones we love!
© 2012, lifehappenswhen. All rights reserved.
Hadn’t read this yet and just posted about the same thing. Sounds like we need to take a few days off the computer!
Hello Leanne! Thank you so much for visiting my little blog. I have enjoyed reading through yours! Your family is beautiful! We seem to have alot in common. I too was a teacher before a mother, although it was an elementary one. I did major in English in college. (That seems like ages ago!) I smiled when I read your post because I just had a special moment with my little Flynn today! And we were doing puzzles! I really enjoy your blog…Have a great day!
After reading this last week, the phrase about kids spelling love T-I-M-E knocked around like a refrain in my head all weekend. And I’m so grateful – it really helped me to slow down, stop cleaning/cooking/busying for a few precious moments and just be present to them. Thank you!