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Family Devotional

Every night something special happens in my home. I call it Family Devotional. It's pretty simple. I gather the kids around and I teach. What do I teach? Whatever I'm learning, or anything worth discussing. 

Sometimes we watch TED talks; sometimes I share excerpts from books I'm reading; oft times I relate a story from work or some experience I had that day. My thoughts stimulate my children's. I have no agenda besides teaching a principle and allowing the conversation and discussion to unfold. 

The best is that my children all like attending. I don't have to twist anyone's arm, and they all stay as long as we keep talking. Even when everyone is tired, or someone has homework and I tell them they are free to go, no one wants to leave early or miss any of the discussion.

I am astounded that my children show up for family devotional each night with excitement. I mean it seems that most teenagers wouldn't want to spend their evenings in an ad-hoc family discussion.  And perhaps I'm speaking too soon. Maybe once the kiddos get a little older, they won't want to continue joining us. But I really hope they don't. I hope the allure of family devotional never wanes. In fact, I hope it never ends! Alas, I know, that's just terribly unrealistic because in 4 years more my twins will be heading off to college. And then it's just a few more years before my youngest leave me an empty nester. 

Just thinking about that future day has me feeling melancholy for I'm going to fiercely miss this family tradition. I've only got about 1,200 family devotional nights remaining. Which means I need to make my remaining lessons count. I'm worried I don't have enough time to teach my children everything I still want them to know!

Oh goodness, what a silly thing to worry about! With Google and their intuition, they will be A-OKAY! I've been teaching them correct principles, and they are already smartly governing themselves. Plus, if they need additional motherly wisdom, they always know where to find me. . . . 

in my bedroom reading a book. Well, at least that is where I'm headed now. ;)

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