Week 16!

Challenge: What does the "bedtime routine" look like at your house? At our house we brush teeth, change diapers, read a Bible story, act out a Bible story, and then we begin the individual routines: we read a story with Havana, pray with her, and then do a series of kisses and snuggles that are the same every night. Then we go to Jonah's room where we read a story with him, say his prayers, and then do his routine of touching his basketballs and playing with his race cars. Selah goes last and her routine involves lotions/baby massage, prayers, and a bottle. From the time we start the process until the last child is down can take anywhere between 45-60 minutes!

I don't know about you, but for me, this can be a very challenging part of the day. It seems that the only time I can get anything accomplished (e-mails, dishes, laundry, phone calls, etc) is after their bedtime and so as the bedtime routine drags out I get impatient knowing that every minute we spend putting the children to bed is one less minute that I have to get things accomplished since my bedtime isn't too much later than theirs.

I recently read a Dr. Phil book (don't make fun of me!) and in it he stressed the importance of a routine and his example was the bedtime routine. He talked about the endless benefits having a night time routine has for the children. I certainly was convicted as I read it because I often rush through the routine to get them to bed when I should be relishing in the sweet moments with them and taking my time with them since predictable routines are healthy for children. The Lord didn't stop there in His conviction. I started talking to a friend this week who just returned from a christian parenting conference and she said they talked about how bedtime is the one time of the day that you should never rush.

So, clearly, I knew I had to make this week's challenge about developing/keeping a special bedtime routine. If you are like me and your family already has one, then let's make our challenge not to rush it or be disgruntled about it when it takes longer than we expect. If you don't have one- then start one! This doesn't just apply to people with younger kids - I started thinking about what I would want this to look like for us as the children grow into their teenage years and I do picture it as a time for praying together, studying the Word as a family, and then talking with each child about their day and their feelings. So even though the baby massages and race cars won't be around when my kids are older - being an ear and a prayer partner would certainly be a beneficial bedtime routine. If you're children are out of the house - perhaps encourage them to develop a bedtime routine with their little ones.

Dear Lord, You created both day and night and as I carry on about my day and as I tuck my children into bed - help me never forget that You are the creator of this world and You have such a purpose for me, my children, and my family. Help me develop a bedtime routine where You are honored and my children feel secure. Help me never to rush past this very important time. Thank You for giving me these precious souls to raise. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Prayer:
Lord, I pray that my children would be like Zacchaeus as we read about him in the Bible. Just as Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus in the crowd (Luke 19:3-4), I pray that my children would spiritually and physically do whatever is necessary to see You. May they rise above this culture and climb over sin struggles to fix their eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). May my children know that You will acknowledge them personally (Luke 19:5) and that no matter the sin in their life or the mistakes they have made; You desire a relationship with them just as you did with "the sinner" Zacchaeus (Luke 19:7). And, following his example, I pray that my children will open up their hearts to You just as he opened up his home to You (Luke 19:5-6). Zacchaeus declared before everyone that he was changing his ways and turning from his sin "here and now" and I pray that my children would do that as well - "here and now" - may nothing keep them from making behavioral changes after You have called them to repentance (Luke 19:8). Lord, You came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and I pray my children come to personalize that verse and know that You came to seek and save them. May the awesome truth of Your pursuit of them coupled with Your unconditional love and forgiveness bring them to their knees. I pray my children will live their life time glorifying You in every relationship, every deed, and with every breath. I ask all of these things in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.