Raising Youngins

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Today we’re doing something a little different. Here’s a devotional from Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” — Psalm 90:12 (CSB)

The notification was harmless. Just a quick text. A quick scroll. A quick check of email.

But while your eyes were on a screen, your child was telling a story, showing you a drawing, doing a silly dance, or looking over to see if you were watching.

Motherhood is filled with ordinary moments that don’t seem significant until they’re gone. We assume there will be another bedtime story, another trip to the park, another chance to hear about their favorite stuffed animal or the drama of second grade. And often there is.

Until one day, there isn’t.

The toddler who begged for your attention becomes a teenager who spends more time with friends. The little hand that reached for yours grows independent. Childhood doesn’t disappear all at once—it slips away one ordinary moment at a time.

The enemy doesn’t always need to lure us into bad things. Sometimes he simply distracts us from the best things.

Phones are wonderful tools. They connect us, help us work, and allow us to capture memories. But they can also quietly convince us that what’s happening somewhere else is more important than what’s happening right in front of us.

Jesus was never rushed. He was fully present with people. Children, especially, seemed drawn to Him because He saw them. He stopped for them. He welcomed them. He made them feel important.

Our children don’t need perfect moms. They don’t need moms who never check a phone. They need moms who look up often enough to say, “I see you. You matter. I’m here.”

Years from now, your child won’t remember how quickly you responded to an email. But they will remember whether they felt seen.

Today, ask God to help you notice the holy moments hidden in the ordinary—the Lego creations, the bedtime giggles, the endless stories, the questions that could have waited but their hearts couldn’t.

Because childhood has no replay button.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the precious gift of my children. Forgive me for the times I’ve been physically present but mentally elsewhere. Help me to see my children the way You see them. Give me wisdom to put down distractions and embrace the moments You’ve entrusted to me. Teach me to be fully present in the season I’m in, knowing these days are a gift that won’t last forever. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. When is your phone most likely to distract you from your family?
2. What is one daily moment you can make phone-free this week?
3. How can you intentionally communicate to your child today, “You have my full attention”?

Challenge: Put your phone in another room for 20 minutes today and spend that time fully engaged with your child. Watch what happens when your attention becomes your gift. ❤️