Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

I have the wonderful privilege of serving God as our church’s Director of Preschool and Children’s Ministries. If I had the opportunity to tell young parents a single truth that would resonate and bring change, I would urge them to make the most of each day as they teach their boys and girls to love and honor God.

Stop. Open your eyes. Pay attention.

Regret is difficult to live with and yet, the most preventable. We can choose to parent on purpose and to live intentionally.

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I am not a poet. But the following came to me late one evening as I sat with my mother in her last days. The saying, “time slips through our fingers like sand,” became real as I prepared to say good-bye to my momma while thinking of my children and grandchildren.

Intentional Living

I thought I had tomorrow, He said in raspy voice

It passed me by without warning, I feel I had no choice.

I went to work each day, The bills just wouldn’t wait

I sat alone each evening, Never thinking of my fate.

I thought I had tomorrow, She whispered as she cried

Father Time ticked away, Never on my side.

From dawn to dusk, My work was always there

I meant to stop and play awhile, I feel life isn’t fair.

We thought we had tomorrow, Our regrets have caused us pain

We thought we had tomorrow, If only we could do it over again.

Did someone try to warn us, As we hurried on our way

Was an alarm sounding, Telling us tomorrow is today.

He sends us many moments, He work so patiently

To wake us from our slumber, And help us clearly see.

He gave the phases of the moon, As today creeps into tomorrow

That we might live in the moment, And have no reason for sorrow.

There is the warning of outgrown shoes, To show time marches on

And each new skill our children master, Whispers today is almost gone.

There are quiet reminders all around, Meant to guide and point the way

That we might heed the warning, Don’t put off until tomorrow, What we should do today.

Please don’t despair, it’s not too late, He’s given this gift to everyone

We have this moment; we have today, From dawn til setting sun.

Let’s give Him all our devotion, He is The One who numbers each day

He will show us what’s important, Let’s take the time to pray.

He will give us all we need, To balance work and family

He will multiply our days on earth, And bless us abundantly.

You see that little girl, Her eyes are sparkling for you

When she says, “Come play with me,” well, that would be your cue.

Your little boy, standing there, Bat and glove in hand

Yes, that’s a flag of warning, Play ball while you can.

Take the hand of the one you love, Choose to live with intentionality

Now you know, the alarm has sounded,

Thank you, God, for family.

Shelley Pierce

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Share ways that God leads you to parent with purpose and to live intentionally!

How do we parent with purpose? Living in the Moment by Shelley Pierce #parents #parenthood #faith

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