"The Perfect Gift for Your Young Child" by Bruce & Stan PART 1

I read this devotion this morning and it tugged at my heart in such a timely way...only God could orchestrate. Enjoy.

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Children are a gift from the Lord; 

they are a reward from him. 

- Psalm 127:3

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      There is no shortage of gift ideas for your young child. Millions of advertising dollars are devoted to direction your attention to the "perfect" gift. You feel guilty if you can't find something that will educated, stimulate, and build self-esteem all at once (and it's got to be politically correct, biodegradable, and bilingual, too). The marketers know that price is no object because this is your child, and you won't settle for anything less than the best.

      Well, we have a suggestion for the perfect gift. It is not easy to find, and it is terribly expensive, but we guarantee that it will last a lifetime and it will be your child's favorite. We're talking about your time.

      Your child's greatest need is the security of  knowing that you care. There is no better way to convey your love than to spend time with your child. hours invested in your child will produce dividends now and in the future. You will be building a relationship, moment by moment, that will be the basis for a lifelong friendship between the two of you. 

       Don't be misled by the myth of "quality time" - it is an admirable goal, but it should not be used as an excuse for missing "quantity time" with your child. Quality moments usually can't be scheduled. They happen spontaneously, without warning, in circumstances you don't anticipate. Those precious, teachable moments will be initiated by your child, while you're playing in the backyard, driving in the car, or staring at a worm in the dirt. For your children, all of the time you spend together can be "quality time" because it is then that they have whats most important to them - your attention.

      This is a gift which does not come cheaply. It will cost you. You may have to forgo other activities. You will have to say "no" to other people. You may have to set aside a few perennial goals or hobbies for a few years. But don't worry. Those other things and folks will be around later, but the childhood years as soon gone forever. They are irretrievable.

      Give your child the gift of your time. Sure, there is limited supply, but we've never seen a tombstone which read:

"I will I hadn't spent so much time with my kids." 

What is God saying to you through this devotion?

What do you think He might be asking you to do?