Turn off the technology, tune in to your family

“I know! We’ll all snuggle in bed, and you can read the Bible, and it’ll be fun!” Our daughter, Estellah Eve, had our nighttime all figured out the other day. What a joy – that this is what thrills our children: family time, snuggle time, Bible time.
 
Amid all the gadgetry and near-unavoidable technology of our day (and this upcoming Holiday Season), do your best to intentionally emphasize some simple things – without electronic interruptions. Read together. Play a board game. Put a puzzle together. Pop some popcorn.
 
Look your children in the eye and let them know they matter to you. They crave your affirmation and your presence – no matter their age. Let them know they are deserving of your time and attention – even more than the phone in your hand (or the ball game on TV).
 
Ten years from now, none of us will remember who won the football game on Sunday. However, your family could likely remember it as the one time Dad spent 3 uninterrupted hours just playing Uno and eating popcorn with us – without once looking at his phone. Give it a try.
 
As someone urged me the other day from an upcoming Ministry Visit next month, “Please, Robert, when you come – encourage parents to put their phones down and pay attention to their children!” Amen.
 
Turn off the technology and tune in to your family – while you can. These minutes and moments are precious. They’ll be gone before you know it. You’ll never regret it.
 
[KNOW GOD – no regrets]
-Robert

Cheese and Cheerios – between my toes…

Cheese and Cheerios – stuck to my socks and in-between my toes. With 4 young children in our household, you can likely relate. Often times, those little things can add up enough to drive you bananas.

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything. Give thanks to him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Ephesians 5:20)

Consider trying, as I finally did…catching myself, to use it as another opportunity to thank Almighty God for the gifts of life and family. Cherish your children intentionally, daily. Thank God for their lives, their messes, their spilt milk, their dirty diapers, and yes, even the seemingly endless cheese and Cheerios on the floor.

He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Every day is a gift. Every life is a gift. Yes, as parents, the days and nights are long. But, eternity is longer. You are sowing seeds of eternity into your family daily through your actions and words. Make them count. Today counts.

Live a Life of No Regrets.

-Robert

[KNOW GOD – no regrets]