Some uses of individual and family time are better, and others are best. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.
Parents should act to preserve time for family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, and the other precious togetherness and individual one-on-one time that binds a family together and fixes children’s values on things of eternal worth. Parents should teach gospel priorities through what they do with their children.
This is exactly what happened. It is easy to see how going to the temple is better than going to a movie, but I think it is harder when you have to choose between 2 good things. Camping vs. an invitation to a wedding reception or the missed baby shower were hard choices to make. These things I really felt I ought to go to, and to be honest I felt some guilt when I didn't go. But Scott and I decided each and every time that the best thing for our family was to spend quality, alone time in spite of other pressing, good invitations.
I also learned that if we don't schedule what we feel is important for us and our family either others will decide for us, or the opportunity simply passes by and we will look back and wonder where the time went when our children were little and when they wanted to spend time with us. Football games will come and go, showers and receptions, church callings and other various obligations will come and go as well. But what will not come back is time. right. now. With 4 kiddos who want nothing else than to romp around in the creek and roast marshmallows over the fire.
Life is about choices. Sometimes you are flexible and other times you stick to your guns. In this case we made the best choice.
8 comments:
I'd say you made the perfect choice. Looking at those huge and I mean huge smiles on all the boys' faces, you absolutely did the correct thing. You are truly an amaing mother, and I admire you for that. You are a wonderful example to me, and for that I thank you. I really needed to hear the words you wrote on your blog today. Ive been doing a lot of the same soul searching, and trying to re-organize my priorities. Thanks for being such a great example to me. Love ya sis!
Surprised to hear Amber's comment. When we lived FAr from family, doing these things were always more important than anything else going on. I would have advised you to move far away from family for a few critical years BUT if Amber is still struggling with this, I guess it's a lifetime challenge.
Those are four BEST choices:)
They look so cute in that picture. With little chaseys head poking up. cute.
A good reminder. We need to break out the calender as a couple because stuff always comes up. Thanks for your post. You sure have some good looking boys there.
Amen!! Well said!! Soon enough our kids will be teenagers with jobs, sports, and other people relying on them to show up. It's easier when they are small and don't have an attitude, an agenda, or friends making the call.
I'm so glad you had fun. Yellowstone next year . . . right!
So very true and well said! I bet camping was more fun than that other stuff anyhow. Way to "stick to your guns!" Childhood slips by so fast.
Maybe you could repost this every six months because I think we all need this reminder. I can't think of better parents for four energtic boys.
Thanks for reminding me. It is hard to get that lesson down.
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