The Best Part of My Day

One of my most cherished childhood memories is actually not confined to one particular moment in time. It's not a purchased present, a lavish vacation, or an occasion of personal achievement. Rather, it is the regular pattern that was tied to our nightly bedtime routine. While there were times when a busy night overran the normal schedule, most nights were capped off by my parents coming to tuck my brother and me into the bunk beds of our shared bedroom. Then, with a meaningful prayer, a hug, and a kiss, also came the words from my dad who often laid down next to me on my bed... "Ah, the best part of my day." While it may not seem like much, I can't emphasize enough how those priceless words instilled the sense of value, worth, and significance that children crave.

Now, almost two decades later and with three kids of my own, it's my own deep desire to pass on this legacy and make the most of our bedtime routine. I know that not everyone had the luxury of a father who modeled this kind of spiritual leadership, but I would encourage every parent to start simple. It's the little things that make a big difference.

1. Pray: Each and every night, I pray individually for all three of my children. Before I leave their room at night, I lay my hands on their little bodies and lift them up to their Father in heaven. I pray for their health- physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. I pray for their sleep- that they would be filled with the peace of God and rest in His finished work. I pray for their protection- that Jesus would keep them from evil. I pray for their dreams- that their minds would be filled with things that are lovely and good. And while I pray for their present, I also pray for their future. I pray for their future spouses, their future education, and their future purity- that they would be men and women whose hearts are changed from the inside out. And last but not least, I pray that they would know of their need for a Savior and that they would come to know of His love at an early age. It's never too soon to pray for the people they are becoming.

2. Touch: Children need to know they are loved and there is power in loving touch. My kids love it when I climb up on their beds and spend some extended snuggle time. Hug, kiss, rub a back and help them actually feel your presence. And when you pray, know that there is something spiritual and powerful in the laying on of hands.

3. Bless: Both in your prayers and in your common conversations, never underestimate the power of your words. Affirm God's work in their life: they are made in the image of God, they are "fearfully and wonderfully made," they have unique gifts and personalities, and they are a heavenly gift. Tell them what you are proud of, encourage them in their successes and their failures, and find ways to connect their life to the One who has richly blessed us.

4. Listen: I must admit that my wife is much better at this one than I am, and you would be amazed how often her quick bedtime routine turns into an hour long talk-fest with the girls. One simple question often turns into 2,000 words and many tears (because some times little girls just need to cry). I am always amazed at what just how much my kids are dying to be heard.

Sometimes it takes 5 minutes and other times it goes much longer, but it's the best part of my day. And I know its a legacy worth passing on.