One Moment at a TimeSample

## Enjoy your child. In the busyness, tiredness, and frustration of parenting, it can be easy to forget to enjoy our kids. To choose anger and frustration over enjoyment of them. To notice what our kids aren’t doing well, instead of what they are doing well. Most of us mamas can relate to that. But, the beautiful thing is that each moment, we have a chance to redirect our thoughts and enjoy our kids, remembering the things we love about them. There is a time to discipline our kids and give consequences, but enjoying our kids is also one of the most important things we can do for them. Sissy Goff, a Christian author and therapist says, “The very best thing you can offer a teenager or child is simply to enjoy them. Kids who are enjoyed are more prone to listen, to respond, and to begin to feel that there could be something enjoyable about themselves.” I imagine Jesus focused on the good things in his followers. He sure knew they were far from perfect, and he called them out at times, yet, he often called great things out of them too. He met each person as they were with all of their imperfections and called them to greatness—to follow Him, the Savior of the world. In John 4, when he met the woman at the well, he didn’t dwell on her shortcomings. They were mentioned, but he looked beyond that and saw value in her. He took time to speak of the true joy and fulfillment that she could have in Him. After she spent time with him, she ran with joy to share about Jesus with the people in the town. She was a changed person by His love. In Luke 7, Jesus had every reason to follow Simon in demeaning the woman who sat at Jesus’ feet weeping. Simon saw her sin clearly. Jesus also knew it was there, but Jesus chose to focus on who she could be, her desperate need for him, and her great love for him. Jesus said that because of the great love and forgiveness she was given, she loved much. When we take a minute to let go of the frustration, the constant noticing of what our kids are doing wrong, and enjoy them instead, we will be loving our kids like Jesus loves us. One-Day Goal: When you notice your kids’ shortcomings, shift your thoughts and notice something you love about them instead and tell them what it is. Today, enjoy your child.