You will have about 936 weeks from the time your child is born until he or she graduates from high school. It goes by fast. Your son or daughter is speeding through each phase of life faster and faster, and if you are not careful, you will miss it. You will only get 365 days to know your 3-year-old, and then they will be 4. You only get 52 weeks to know your 8-year-old, and then they will be 9. You only get 12 months to know your 13-year-old, and then they will be 14 (and you may never want to know them again as a 13-year-old). So don’t hurry through the present phase as if it is your enemy, embrace it and don’t miss it.

You may not realize it, but you are making history, one week at a time. While most kids will only see “now”, you can see that the past, present and future all connect. God gave you time with your kids because there are certain things in their lives that can only be accomplished over time. The most significant gift we can give a kid is what we give them over time. That makes what you do this week and next week and the week after that strategic. As a parent, it’s important to realize there are certain things that can only be communicated, understood, and discovered over time.

Kids don’t experience worth because they are shown affection once, but by unconditional love over time. Kids are not motivated to change their lifestyle by one phrase, but when they hear consistent words over time. Kids don’t understand the world through a single event, but through a collection of stories over time. Kids don’t know they belong because of a special invitation, but by feeling welcomed in a family over time. Kids don’t discover how to enjoy life because of one thrilling moment, but by experiencing joy and fun over time. Be intentional about what you are doing over time. This week matters.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms our there. What you do day in and day out matters. Thanks Mom.

This article was written on behalf of the Moses Lake Christian Ministerial Association.