Chris Little

Courtesy of Stock Exchange

It’s almost football season again. I admit I struggle with my fanaticism when it comes to football. I have to be intentional about how much time, thought, and energy goes into the season. I have my favorite teams and players like many people, but I study football. So, as you might guess, sometimes my passion for football gets in the way of other things.

One of the things it gets in the way of is “hearing”. Imagine the scene with me for a moment: The football game is on and I am studying intensely. Becky comes into the room and begins talking to me. I recognize she is present and I “hear” something, but I am not really listening because of my focus on the game. I say “ok” or something like that and continue watching the game. A little later in the day I vaguely remember that I said “ok” to something, but cannot remember what it is. I look around for the obvious stuff – trash taken out, clean the kitchen, etc. – and hope that those suffice. Sometimes that works. Usually it doesn’t. How do I know? I know because Becky will say, “Did you hear what I said earlier about ____________ ?” It is then that I sheepishly have to admit, “No.”

Courtesy of Stock Exchange

I’m learning that to hear my wife during a game I have to stop the game, turn and face her, and engage in active listening. It’s hard to do sometimes – especially when the Cowboys are about to score a touchdown. However, I’ve learned it’s worth it (although the thought just crossed my mind that is a good reason to have Tivo™).

I believe that many of our conversations with God are like this too. We are so focused on our “stuff” that we don’t hear the specific words that God wants to share with us. Our hearts and minds are distracted by all the other voices. It takes effort to put aside the distractions of life to hear from God. However, I guarantee that it is worth it.

What distracts you from hearing from God? When are you most available to hear from God?

P.S. I don’t have N.F.L. Sunday Ticket because that would only feed the hunger. I am tempted, but have refrained so far.

Memorial Day at Little Big Horn

Memorials are an important part of life. God had the Hebrews build memorials along their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Why did God command them to build memorials? So that their children would ask, “Why is that there?” The parents could then use the memorials as “teachable moments.”

As a nation, we have established many memorials over the years. They are all over the U.S. for the purpose of adults and children asking, “Why is that there? What does it mean?” It allows us to tell the story of our nation.

Families establish memorials too. Over the years a family builds memorials at different places. The dinner table is a memorial at our house. We love to gather around it and share stories about the day, dreams for the days ahead, and lots of laughter. Our bedtime tradition is a memorial too. We gather before going to bed, read a story, play a game, pray, and laugh a lot. One of my favorite memorials is on our back deck during the summer. We eat meals outside and then light a fire in the firepit (if the wind is not blowing 1,000 mph). We sit around, look at the moon and stars, roast marshmallows, talk and laugh, and just enjoy being together. What are the memorials in your home now? Growing up?

Fire pit on the back deck

Memorial Day is coming up this weekend. May your family take a moment and give thanks for the men and women who have given their all for our freedom. May their sacrifice remind you of Jesus’ sacrifice for you. May you enjoy that freedom and sacrifice by making a memorial with your family. May it be a weekend that you remember for years to come.

Spring Break and Easter are behind us. That means summer is quickly barreling down upon us. As I child I loved the summer break. I would run, play, and just felt more “free” during the summer. I don’t know what my parents thought about summer though. It was probably more of a hassle for them to figure out what to do with me, because now being a parent I understand that my kids’ freedom usually costs me money and is not so “free.”

Summer is a wonderful time to invest more time and energy into our children. Some of you may be tired already just thinking about the energy it takes to keep going during the summer as you spend time with kids. (It would be nice if there was a magic “parent pill” that you could take sometimes to get the little extra boost you need to keep up. I used to think naps were for the kids’ benefit…now I know better).  As a parent, how can you maximize your summer time and not get burned out?

Bucket Full of Water Balloons

Here a few thoughts that I have that may help you:

• Do a pre-flight safety check and announcement. If you have flown in a decent sized airplane recently you have had this happen. We should do this as well – before, during, and prior to landing – our summer schedules. What are you checking? You are making sure that you are keeping your life roles in proper perspective. First, you are a Christ follower; second, you are a spouse; third, you are a parent; fourth, you are a . . . and so on.  Remember they tell you on the plane to always put your oxygen mask on first before helping anyone next to you. Not putting your oxygen mask on first could be detrimental to you and the one you want to assist.
• Check your fatigue meter. Have you over committed? Look at your schedule/calendar and plan some down time that allows you to relax and be refreshed.
• Check your relationship gauge. Are you under connected? Are you spending time with your spouse without the kiddos? Are you spending time with adult friends (with or without the kids)?
• Draw a picture of your child as a young adult. Next to your picture, even if it’s a stick figure, write down characteristics & qualities that you desire your children to have. What experiences do they need to have to help forge those? Use the summer to spur growth in your child – spiritually, physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
• Have fun! Let your kids be kids. Turn on the water sprinkler and run through it. Choose to be spontaneous and just enjoy your kids. This is a special time – do not miss it!

Splat! I just “whomped” you with a water balloon…what you going to do about?

Looking forward to summer,