The Laws of Order (Time & Love)
I'm in that stage of parenting where you wake up one day and realize you've made it past the survival days, when the kids needed you for everything, only to realize that you're staring the teenage years in the face.
There is something about this part of the journey that offers a crystallizing glance at the big picture. Perhaps it's the fact that my window of center-stage influence seems to be closing in, based upon the increasing presence of their friends. Or, just awareness of the ever-present reality that the clock is always ticking.
My favorite part of parenting is talking to my kids about the good and hard lessons of life. I love to see them wrestle with things they are slowly able to understand and in the process develop foundational values and wisdom for life. In reality, though, much of my ability to shape their character comes more from what I do than what I say.
Recently, a thought occurred to me that the legacy that my husband and I will pass on to our children will mostly be comprised of how we treat each other and how we order our lives.
Think Tank, Inc. lost two cherished friends this month. When eternity touches time, we are reminded of what matters most. As I watched the tributes to these loved ones fill my social media feed, I didn’t learn much about their hobbies. I didn’t hear about their awards at work or the titles they held.
What I did hear was stories of embracing vulnerability with courage. I heard stories of risk and sacrifice for the cause of justice. I heard stories of practical strangers or mere acquaintances being touched by one gracious encounter. Stories of how faith in God has the power to meet us in the pit and sustain us for every good work.
I couldn’t help but be moved by the fabric of community that can be woven around every life. Yet, knitting takes intention. Relationships have to be fostered and there are too many distractions that can get us sidelined from what matters most.
This week in my reflection and solitude I have some important questions to ask myself. Am I ordering my life around things that matter most, or am I pursuing myself and my comfort? Am I taking every opportunity to be fully present in my family and my community and offer love and grace in my interactions with others?
Will you take some time to ask yourself the same?
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by Marlo Fox — to learn more about Marlo’s work, please visit thinktank-inc.org