God's Priority

This weekend we are heading South for my niece's first birthday. I am really excited but not about the seven or so hour drive- and that's one way folks. We can split it up at my parents but on Sunday we make the long haul. I could say it isn't fun, the ride lasts an eternity, etc. but I'm working hard on the positive. Seeing my niece. Seeing all my nieces and nephews. It will be fun for my kids to see their cousins and enjoy a visit.
I'm already giving myself the pep talk for a different trip down. We are NOT going to watch movies all the way down there. We are going to play games everyone can participate in including the driver. We will eat some nutritional snacks. We will NOT veg out on hand held games. So help me. And I mean that literally.
I find as I critique myself as a parent that at times it is easier to check out than check in. I hate that. We have to figure out things to do with our children. And here's the sticking point: don't ask them, tell them. We are making a batch of cookies. NOW! And so help me, you will enjoy your time with your mother! Because that type of family time always works!
Seriously, when I begin to question the time we spend as a family, I many times get a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I can let this feeling run away with my imagination or I can ask for some help. My friends have good ideas and so does my husband. But, once again, I am stunned at the ideas I know God is putting on my heart. This past weekend I asked my daughter if she'd like to paint some pictures with me using the left over painting kits from her birthday. Yes, I asked which may have been my first mistake. However, though she declined the paints, she did offer another suggestion. We read three more chapters in a book we were reading together this summer! Wow! It was so much fun!
I really felt God's guidance here. I was so appreciative of Him giving her the idea! I know I've written about family time before. I know I've written about God looking at the small things in our hearts and hearing them as much as the bigger things. This though was special. As we sift through the day to day we need to take time to check in with our families. If we are too busy to do that, then we are too busy. God is never too busy for us. We were so much a priority to Him that He sent His son to take on our sins and die for us. Prayer and a relationship with God should be our first priority so all the other ones fall into place. I know this, I just have to remember it! It's my prayer for my family and for yours also!