September 05, 2003

All Work and No Play...

[Actually, I learned this a few days ago, but we won't be legalistic about it!]

What I learned is this:

Playtime with my kids is every bit as important as school time.

Sounds like a simple concept, doesn't it? And you would think it would be something I would've learned a long time ago, but some of us are s-l-o-w learners!

It was a very simple thing indeed...brought about as a result of setting aside special time with my husband. I had made a sign that read: "Welcome to Mary's Bed & Breakfast. Relax, kick off your shoes, and enjoy a lovely evening..."

I had attached it to the bathroom door while my husband was showering one night recently. (We had spent the past few months redecorating our bedroom, making it a warm, comfortable haven just for us grown-ups!)

Well, our son, Zach, happened to see the sign that night as he went to bed...and an idea was born in his head as he drifted off to sleep....

The next day, he and Jenna had a wonderful surprise for me. They had set up his bedroom as a "retreat center" just for me! He and Jenna donned their finest clothing, created a menu of goodies from which I could choose, and laid out blankets and pillows in the cubby underneath his raised bunkbed. They had also poured me a glass of cold water, using a pretty goblet they knew I enjoyed drinking from. They asked what I would like off the menu and promptly retrieved it, serving it with all the style an eleven- and an eight-year old could muster!

It was very sweet!

Then, they gave me the options of what we could do... There was a pile of games to play, some books to read, or we could just relax and enjoy one another's company while the sweet melodies of "Sleep Sound in Jesus" played on the cd player.

Okay, so it wasn't heaven, but it was awfully close!

The truth is I almost missed this wonderful time with my children. You see, I was busy working on something "important", and I had seen them running around the house in their Sunday best--which was definitely a no-no. I was just about to get onto them when I discovered what they were doing. Had I "leapt" before I "looked" (as I often do!) I would have missed it. I would've barked; they would've had hurt feelings, and we all would've missed out.

By the grace of God, this time we didn't miss out! And I learned how precious playtime with my children can be--even after a long day of school work, and even when there are "important" matters to be tended to.

Since then, we've had similar playtime together several times. Each time I've had to remind myself how important this is--in the beginning. But once I've pulled myself away from the chores and tasks at hand, I realize how much we enjoy spending this "retreat" time with each other.

Some lessons are slow in coming, but when they come, they are so good!

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." --James 1:17

Thanks, Dad!