More Than Just Memories

Charles Swindoll said this: 

"Each day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children."

I've always said that one of my main reasons for blogging is for my children...to document our lives together and to leave them with a hard-copy memory of their childhood.  But what about the things that aren't recorded here?...the messy stuff that no one wants to remember or put on display for the world to see?

The truth is, anyone can stage a blog and make things appear to be different than they truly are...something that I try hard not to do.  But the actual memories etched within the minds of my babies cannot be deleted with a backspace button.  I try to remind myself of this daily.  

After my babies are tucked in for the night, and I look back on our day, can I say that I made them my top priority? Did I take the time to push them on the "ping" (swing)? Did I read Josiah's favorite book to him (the one with talking vegetables that he picks everytime?) Sit down with them and watch that same ole' movie that I've seen a million times? Did I tell them that I loved them? Smile at them for no particular reason? Pray for them? 

The longer that I am a parent, the more I realize just how important it is to provide more than just their physical needs.  I got that part down...3 meals a day, snacks, water, clean environment, baths, etc. But I want to do more than just provide for their physical needs. In fact, I believe that God has called me to provide for them spiritually, emotionally and mentally as well.  

It's a lot on one's plate, no doubt.  But my labor is not in vain.  You see, it's more than just creating good memories.  It's discipleship.  It's helping shape them for The Kindgom.  And it all begins at home...I only have a short time with them.  I've gotta make it count...