by Myssi Dickenson

Taking care of my husband, Toby, our two-year old son, Kyler, and our home left me little time or energy for prayer. Getting up early enough for a quiet time seemed beyond me, until I asked the Lord for help. I never dreamed He would actually begin waking me up, but He did.

I began to really enjoy that quiet time each morning, praying and reading the Bible. Then one morning Kyler woke up earlier than usual, and I had to set my quiet time aside. I was upset, and cross with him a couple of times as a result. Finally, I decided to try to keep him busy so I could at least have a short time with the Lord.

With one eye on Kyler, I picked up my daily devotional and found that day’s reading was based on the verse about children being a reward from God [Psalm 127:3]. It had to do with the importance of giving our children our time and attention, and of the joy our children bring us when we do. I knew that reading was not a coincidence.

I gave Kyler more of myself that day than I had in a long time, and we had a great time. Our day would have been very different, if I had not decided to spend that time with the Lord. It was only a few minutes, but He used it to redirect my attitude and my relationship with our son. It’s a lesson--and a blessing--I’ll never forget.