I hung out with my girl today.
Thanks to parent/teacher conferences, my 8-year-old had the entire day off so we had some good time together. It’s rare we have it. She is a competitive gymnast and is gone 13.5 hours a week. (Don’t get me started…)
So when I have a chance to saturate myself with Miss Sara Lou, I do it.
And I’ve found that when I invest that time, she opens up. She’s not one of those kids who purges information on demand. Sara doesn’t easily give up her feelings and thoughts.
But when I spend time with her, she shares what’s going on deep down inside.
It’s times like these when I get a sweet peek inside my daughter’s heart, strengthening our bond. It’s an intentional move on my part because she is my favorite girl on the planet and I want to pour into her as much as I can.
The more time I spend with her, the more I get to know who she really is.
- I discover her likes and dislikes.
- I find out what makes her feel loved.
- I learn what burdens her heart.
- I see what excites her.
- I hear about her hopes and dreams for the future.
In each focused moment together, I develop a deeper, richer more intimate relationship with my daughter which makes me appreciate and adore her even more. And through our conversation, she learns more about me too.
Without a doubt, each investment of our time yields a great return.
You know what? I realize the same can be said for our relationship with God. Agree?
When we invest time in prayer, when we actually open the Bible on a regular basis, when we attend church… we become closer to our Creator.
- We learn about what makes His heart break and what makes it soar.
- We discover more about who we are.
- We find out God’s plan for us.
- We learn about His history.
- We get a deeper understanding of who He is.
Relationships don’t just happen. You have to invest time, energy, and effort into others and you must genuinely and honestly give of yourself.
Sisters, when you do… you go one level deeper.
And life’s too short to be shallow. Invest your time because that’s where the richness lies.
p.s. It’s Prayer Request Friday! Leave a comment in response to this post and I’ll be praying for you over the long weekend. If it’s private and not something you want published… please indicate. If not, I’ll publish your request for others to pray for as well. 🙂
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What a wonderful reminder, thank you for your blog, I love it!
Please pray for us as we wait to hear back from the sellers of the house that we have put a contract on. The sellers have been a bit stubborn but we wait on God and hope. He has a plan for us. We will find out today but then if accepted we will have to go through the inspection process with this seller as well. We have lived in Colorado for 52 years and have moved to Kansas for a job situation. We know that God wants us here and we are so happy. And so we wait,,,on Him.
I’m praying for a smooth and swift transaction! I’m asking for peace and wisdom for you and your husband. Keep trusting that God is in the details! Thanks for sharing!
I have a prayer request. My college friend, Rodney, was diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago. He was sent home to die, but God performed a miracle in his life and healed him so that he was well enough to have a stem cell transplant. He was in remission for about 6 months, but they just found out the cancer is back and it’s BAD. He has 3 little girls, which is the only reason the doctor is even trying to treat it. Anyone else they would just say go home and enjoy your family. He started chemo this week. Please pray for a miraculous healing and a peace for their family. His wife, Kerry, specifically asked for others to pray because they are so overwhelmed right now. She said it gives them such comfort to know that others are praying for them.
I’m praying for healing!!! I’m praying peace and strength for Kerry and sweet time with Rodney and his daughters. What a heartbreaking situation, but one that God is in complete control of. Thank, Heidi!
I love how we learn more about God through our relationships!!!
Sherry… it’s pretty cool how that works! Thanks for sharing. Love you!
Please pray for the women going on our women’s retreat in March and our speaker, Carey. We have a record breaking 55 women attending and my prayer is that each woman feels God’s love and presence. I pray that they restore themselves physically and mentally for what God has called them to do.
I’ve been praying for God to prepare their hearts for the work God is going to do. I’m praying provision and health for you and the others who are organizing this weekend. I’m praying for safety in travel for all. I can’t wait to see your face, coach! Love you!
Thanks for this Carey! You’re helping me through this mother/daughter thing more than you know! 🙂
ML… you are and are going to be a rockstar. She’s a lucky little girl.
The sweet gift of TIME….we all love it, need it, want it. Great message Carey!
Please continue to pray for marriage/family/hearts.
Thank you and blessings on your weekend!
I’m praying restoration for you in many areas, sister. I love your heart for Him and how you listen for His following. What a great example you give me!
Hi Carey – I know you were asking for prayer requests yesterday but I saw that you just reposted this awesome article. Please pray for Darbie. We were hoping that she would be able to come home finally on Wednesday but she chose not to follow the rules and is in trouble now. We are now having more evals, etc done for her. Praying for wisdom and that God will truly show himself to her and that she will finally make a transition over to trying to do the right thing. I pray for you that God continues to use you in this incredible manner and touch even more lives. Thanks for being an inspiring praying friend.
Sandy
I’ll get my own little me time with my 10 year old on Monday thanks to the Presidents! Yep she is off and the olders are not. Rachel is a competitive swimmer and out 3 or 4 nights a week. I look forward to making a memory and gleaning what I can from our time together.
Blessings to you!
Connie… than you totally get that deep need to connect with our girls who are gone so much! I pray a blessing over that day and a deeper relationship because of it. May God give you the words to speak into her life and the ears to hear what her needs are. What a joy!!!