Making Memories
by Helen Lescheid
“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise” (Psalm 8:2).
In our success oriented society, we make much of achievements. For that reason I make a list of what I want to accomplish in a day. I steam ahead; I don’t like interruptions. After all, at the end of the day I want to be able to tick off every item on my to-do list. Are you like that?
But in our effort to be productive, we sometimes miss the beauty of the present moment. We run right past what could be the most meaningful time of the day.
It almost happened to me on the day I was scheduled to speak to a group of young mothers in the evening. Ironically, I would be speaking on the topic of making memories. “In our busy days lets schedule in times to do fun-filled activities with our children,” I would encourage us mothers. “Spend an hour with your children playing in the park, or doing crafts, or baking cookies together.” My heart warmed to the topic as I was peeling potatoes for supper. Soon my husband and children would come home from school. Yes, everything was going according to schedule.
Just then my young son burst through the kitchen door. “Mom, come see what I found!” he called out excitedly. On his way home from school David had seen something important that he wanted to share with me. But what a time to do it! I glanced at the kitchen clock on the wall. I hadn’t scheduled a trip to the park before supper. I needed to move right along if I was going to be ready for the meeting. It would have to wait.
“Come on, Mom!” The urgency in my son’s voice and the eager look on his face told me it couldn’t wait. Chafing inwardly at the interrupted routine, but feeling that I owed it to him, I dropped the potato peeler and followed my son outside.
At an old hollow tree David pointed up. “Look inside, Mom. Aren’t they cute?”
I peered inside. In a neat, little nest three scrawny, featherless robins squeaked helplessly. With open beaks on long, spindly necks, they scanned the air for food. Their bulging eyes were still covered and bits of blue eggshell clung to their fuzzy bodies. Amazing, I thought, I’ve never seen the miracle of birth this close before.
As I returned home, I knew there would be one more thing I would tell the women tonight: “Above all, let’s heed the excited call of our children, ‘Mom, Dad, see what I found.’ If we don’t allow for interruptions, we’ll run right past the most memorable events of the day. You see, now years later, I’ve forgotten everything else about the day except the unplanned trip to the park with David. It alone remains a shining memory.
Prayer: Dear God, help me to remember that your blessings often come as surprises. Help me to slow down so that I will not miss them.
Comment: Interact with others who are reading today’s devotional. Visit http://talk.thelife.com/ and double click on “Comment” (just under the devotional title).
Related Reading: Crafts for kids: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/parenting/crafts_for_kids.html
About the Author: This devotional was written by Helen Lescheid. Learn more about Helen: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/helen-lescheid/
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Dear Ones,
Thank you so much for these devotionals. I read them every day and am keeping a one-sentence diary of what I want to take with me from that day’s devotional. I especially was touched by todays’s thought…. taking those moments (unexpected and planned) with our children. I just think that this is what is truly missing in our hectic schedules today.
I have a Precept Upon Precept class of young mothers (and old ones!), and I have forwarded this to each of them along with my prayer that they will be desire to plan these times with their children. I wish I’d have had this devotional back in the dark ages when we were raising our kids. I know that I did some of this…but I remember being so overwhelmed with our “special needs” child that there were times I pursued the urgent instead of the loving, teachable, precious moment.
Thank you for all you do for so many of us.
Melinda Neely
Bloomington, IN
Dear Ones,
Thank you so much for these devotionals. I read them every day and am keeping a one-sentence diary of what I want to take with me from that day’s devotional. I especially was touched by today’s thought…taking these moments (unexpected and planned) with our children. I just think that this is what is truly missing in our hectic schedules today.
I have a Precept Upon Precept class of young mothers (and old ones!) and I have forwarded this to each of them along with my prayer that they will desire to “plan” these times with their children. I wish I’d have had this devotional back in the dark ages when we were raising our kids. I know that I did some of this….but I remember being so overwhelmed with our “special needs” child that there were times I pursued the urgent instead of the loving, teachable, precious moment.
Thank you for all you do for so many of us.
Melinda Neely
Bloomington, IN
Good Morning Ladies,
I too am blessed by these devotionals each and every day. I too have a “special needs” child and two other children. I worked hard to try to balance those moments so that each felt “special”. My three are in their 20′s and I still sense that there are times that I need to drop everying to watch and see or just listen. It is still very important. The beautiful thing is now, after a hard day, they occasionally stop for me!
Love in Him,
gen
Good Morning. Todays devotional so true. Look forward each day to the devotionals.
Donna
As a mother I really look forward in waiting for my son to tell how his day went in school , in game or just a comment in every day life . Memories are made in the most simplest time of sharing even the ordinary activities or heartbreaking or a little pat of appreciation coming from your love ones or friends or coworkers . A gentle whisper from our Lord also brightens up my day specially during my quiet time . It gives me unsurmountable joy to spend time with Jesus , looking up , reading ,reflecting His words and how much He cares for me in the most unique way !!!!! Memories have been planned out by HIM . It is really mind boggling how He makes them through us come to pass !!!!
I’m going through a tough time in my life due to a divorce but I thank God for the daily devotions, the messages are always on time and in season for me. It’s part of my therapy!
Father God,
Thank you for the special moments and the time you gave me when I was raising my Child. Now that he is 29 and on his own…I cherish the memories. Thank you that he is giving back to me even though he is a busy business man. We truly reap what we sow. I pray each mother who reads this devotion will enjoy those times as much as I did.
VJ, I AM PRAYING GOD’S PEACE AND COMFORT FOR YOU AS YOU GO THROUGH THIS DIVORCE. IF YOU HAVE A CHOICE, PLEASE STAY TOGETHER. GOD BLESS!!
I am thankful for every moment God has allowed me to be a mother. Still a mother, of course…but they are grown men now. But I love picking up the phone and just hearing their voices. Experiencing pre-menopausal symptons (depressed) , so, please pray for me. This devotion was kind of hard to read, especially now……..but God is so good, and has blessed me beyond belief. Thank you God for the simple things in life that you have placed before me that I will cherish forever.