“You are the creator of their childhoods. You are the influencer of their dreams, and tastes and fears. You are the emcee of all reality, the one to introduce your children to the true personality of their maker, as imaged by your life more than your words. The choices you now make have lives riding on them. ALWAYS.” - ND Wilson, Death by Living

As I look at the calendar, I see days turning into months and flying by in years. We are bookended with ages of 15 and 5 and a couple in between. I know pretty soon, it will be 25 and 15. It all goes by so quickly.

Grown-up calls but childhood still pulls. We dance around both with as much grace as we can hold onto. This tug-of-war won’t last forever. I’m asking for a chance to breathe it all in, not missing a moment.

As we step into another school year we can find opportunities to “introduce them to the personality of their maker.” Or we can get side tracked by trying to be amazing when all they need is for us to be is consistent and purposeful.

My prayer for this time of year is:

Lord,

Remind me to take every opportunity I can to show my girls who You are with my life. Thank you for the chance in the coming weeks to point them to You. Draw us into Your story, each and every day. I am in awe of your plan to allow me to be the creator of four girls’ childhoods. What an awesome privilege to allow me to influence their hearts and dreams.

Keep whispering to my heart: “You don’t have to be amazing. Just point them to Me. I’ll do the rest.”

And remind me to..

Have fun.

Live Thankful.

Celebrate in small ways a big God.

Simply Jesus.

Amen.