I find this especially important with children. They need our availability as they grow. That’s how their self-esteem is built. We show they are important to us by spending time with them.
A couple of years ago, I was driving my son, Jonathan, to lunch. As I was driving, I began thinking about how soon he would be driving on his own, and then he would be off to college and our time together would be limited. I wanted to hold that moment and thought to myself, “I need to set up something so that when he moves out, we don’t allow too much time to pass before we connect. I want him to know I am available to him.” I said, “Jonathan, why don’t we plan to have regular lunches together. Even once a week or once a month, let’s just let it be me and you.” Well, he agreed that would be good, and I was happy to develop a good habit before he was living on his own. We got lunch, and I drove him to an appointment he had next. He jumped out of the car and said, “Thanks for lunch, Mom. I’ll see you next month!”
Even though he was teasing, I knew it was important to him that we had established that time together. It really was his way of saying, “Thank you.”
We all know how busy life can become. We can have the best intentions, but if we don’t ever act on them, they vanish. We must be intentional about being available for our loved ones. More importantly, we must be intentional about being available for God. He’s always available to you! Even though you may talk to Him throughout the day, it’s important to set up a designated time just for you and Him.
Always remember: we make time for what’s important to us. Make sure your schedule matches your priorities and be available for the ones you love!
“In the night I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek you…” (Isaiah 26:9, NLT)
- Victoria Osteen
