The other day our boys wanted to play outside. It was incredibly hot. My husband and I sat in the shade on our swing with our two-month old daughter. We all sucked on popsicles just trying to beat the heat. I thought of all the things I could be doing. I had laundry to do and a garden that needed weeding. Many times I get my work done while they play, but I decided to do something spontaneous, something that I knew would put a smile on my boys’ faces.
Knowing they were listening I said to my husband, “I’m going to bounce on the trampoline all by myself!” Then I ran. The boys squealed, “Hey! Get her!” (I knew they would.) They chased me onto the trampoline and we had a great time bouncing and wrestling with our sprinkler blasting. It was so much fun to see the pure joy on
their faces. In the mist of the sprinkler and in the midst of our play I could see a rainbow.
Being a parent, much of my time (as well as my husband’s) is spent cleaning or feeding our crew. I know these things matter but what I am trying to get my kids to understand is that is not the only part of being a
parent. Perhaps it is the same thing my heavenly Father is trying to teach me. He is not just my provider or the cleaner of my messes. He is the maker of the rainbow that puts a smile on my face. He wants me to enjoy every moment with Him because that is what matters most.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. – Psalm 16:11
