When our two sons were ever-present back seat passengers, we did our best to keep them occupied. The alternative was the endlessly repeated question above.
Looking back on those pre-video days, I realize that we used one of two methods. The first was distraction, pure and simple. Play this game, work this puzzle, focus on this toy, and later, read this book. The idea was to get their little minds off the road and into something else, anything else. And that did work, for a while.
The other method took a little more creativity. Rather than distract them, we would engage them. Depending on their age and attention span, there were various ways to do this. How many VW bugs can you count? How many barns did you see? Make a list of the animals you’ve seen (“Yes, that dead skunk counts!”). How many cities and towns have we passed through? What states? What do they make/grow here? We were helping them see and enjoy the trip, not endure it.
Don’t we have those same two options now, in time traveling through lock-downs and quarantines? We can distract ourselves with endless web searches, videos, movies, books, games, and yes, eating, or else we can be thoughtful in what we are doing and track with the Apostle Paul’s instructions in Ephesians 5:15-17. . .
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish,
but understand what the Lord’s will is.
When the “evil days” are past, we don’t want to have wasted our opportunities to be wise and do His will. That means being careful and purposeful today.
“Father, help us engage these passing days rather than wish them away. Help us wisely seek opportunities to know you better, love you more, and help those around us. In the name of Jesus. Amen”
Pastor Kinzel,
I so appreciated this reminder today. It made me think of something I used to do with our grandchildren. We played the ‘CLOUD GAME.” What pictures do you see in the clouds. It was also a teaching time to share with them that one day, we will meet the Lord in the clouds. I still like to look tol the clouds and see what I can see.
I want you to know that Clark and I are praying for our Pastor friends during these days and you are included in those prayers. I have been joujrnaling through Joshua these past days and came across a verse I had memorized long ago but had not thought of for awhile. “The Mighty One, God the Lord; The Mighty One, God the Lord. He Knows.: it is wonder to know the One and serve the One who knows. Blessings upon you.
Nancy Rose