Author: Jennifer Patchin
Jennifer has been married to her wonderful husband Kelly for 17 years. Kelly is the Pastor of New Harbor Community Church in Benicia, California. They have 4 wonderful children. Victoria is 16, Blake is 10, Isabel is 7 and Micah is 5. Jennifer has the privilege of being a full time stay at home mom and is home schooling her 3 older children. She has a heart to encourage women as mothers and wives and especially in their relationship with God. She also has a burden for children with special needs and the special needs of their families.
I just celebrated by 40th birthday. This next week my husband and I will celebrate 18 years of marriage. It really is so hard to believe. I remember hearing my mom and others say when I was growing up, “Time is going by so fast,” “It seems like yesterday,” and “I can’t believe how fast you are growing up.” Now I find myself saying all these same things. I really do remember my wedding day and the birth of my 16 year-old like they were just a few years ago. Now I have 4 children. Time does seem like it is going faster, and I really don’t feel like I am as old as I really am. Maybe you can relate.
However, I am reminded that whatever time I have here on earth and however old I am is all so short in the light of eternity. So, what is 40 years when I am going to live forever? When I focus on an eternal perspective, I am motivated to live each day for the Lord. I want to please him, obey him, and love him with all my heart. I don’t want to be concerned by wrinkles or waistline or any other physical change. I don’t want to be distracted or detoured by the things of this world, from the things that have eternal value.
As I teach and train and shepherd my children, I am always trying to instill these same principles in them. I want them to follow after God with all their hearts and not be distracted by the many things of this world that vie for their attention and can often pull them away from a pursuit of the things of God. I see more now than ever how time goes quickly, especially as my oldest daughter is moving into adulthood. So I do not want to be lazy in my parenting but take every opportunity to teach, train, model, and love. I want my children to see with the eyes of Jesus as they walk through this life. I pray that their hearts will rejoice in the things that bring God glory, and I pray that their hearts will break with the things that break the heart of God. They are not too young or ever too old to live fully for Jesus.
Time does go by fast. Our children do grow up quickly. So treasure every moment. Take every opportunity to turn your children’s hearts to the Lord. Have fun. Create memories. Keep an eternal perspective. For, we are to prepare our children for a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord that will last eternity. Take the time my friends.
Next week’s post: Sue Jones
