Learning as we Grow

This morning I had a great time of teaching with my four year old daughter as we were waiting in the carpool line at her school. Not because I had planned it all out and decided what to teach on and how to say it, or even because I had a vast amount of knowledge on the subject. We were listening to the radio and I was busy thinking about all of the things I had to do and she asked. “What’s this song about?”            

We were listening to a Christmas song from Mary’s perspective. I explained how God had chosen Mary. She then asked “Why?” Which then lead to an explanation of her being from King David’s line and how God had promised long ago that He would send someone to save his people.            

Later in the day we read a book about Spring and the new life that it brings. I asked her if she knew why we celebrate Easter and how Jesus brings us new life. How Jesus took the “big time out” punishment when he died for us so that we could be with God forever in heaven. This was another lesson that I didn’t go seeking but simply came out of time spent together, when she asked Mommy to read her a book.           

 My point is this. How often do we take time to answer their questions? Do we take advantage of the time that we are together, or make time to be with our kids? Do we try to get to know them, let them know us, teach them about Christ, and model a life of faith? Do we learn about their world and build a relationship with them? So often we’re just so busy and everyone is going in different directions, let’s make time, or at least take advantage of the time we have, even if it’s just in the car en route to the next destination.           

 It seems the older they get this gets harder. I’m truly enjoying my time with my daughter as she’s the only one not in school full time yet and I will miss our time, as it passes it all too soon. My boys are getting older and I hope that I can take advantage of opportunities with them as well. I could probably sit think of all the lost time or missed opportunities. But instead, I’m going to watch and be more aware of those teachable moments that God puts in our paths and make sure my children know that they can feel free to ask questions as we ride along.