Take the Time

As promised below, here is a poem for all of you parents who need a little perspective.


Take the Time

It's nine-fifteen, and bedtime took too long, once again--
Another drink, another glass of water, and then
The questions come, the hands hold tight, and the eyes are opened wide,
And something in me whispers, "Now's the time."

"Mommy, why did Muffy die? Daddy, where's the sun?"
"Are there cats in heaven? And why did Jesus come?"
And though a whole day's dishes wait, and bills are piled high,
Something in me whispers, "Take the time."

Take the time, while they’re right here by your side,
Take the time, while their arms are opened wide.
Teach them how to love the Lord with all their heart and mind.
Oh, they’re only home a season, take the time.

Riding off to Narnia upon a lion's back,
Chubby fingers close the book and add it to the stack.
"Aslan didn't kill the witch--oh Dad, why did he die?"
And something in me whispers, "Now's the time."

Her baseball game's tomorrow, but so's my interview.
How can I play Scrabble, when there's so much to do?
Little faces plead with me to put my work aside,
And something in me whispers, "Take the time."

Take the time, while they’re right here by your side,
Take the time, while their arms are opened wide.
Teach them how to love the Lord with all their heart and mind.
Oh, they’re only home a season, take the time.

For one day they’ll want to spend time alone.
One day they’ll need to be on their own.
Next week their hugs may not seem quite the same-
Oh Lord, may they honor Your name.

It's nine-fifteen, and bedtime took too long, once again--
Another drink, another glass of water, and then
The questions come, the hands hold tight, and the eyes are opened wide,
And something in me whispers, "Now's the time."

Take the time, while they’re right here by your side,
Take the time, while their arms are opened wide.
Teach them how to love the Lord with all their heart and mind.
Oh, they’re only home a season, take the time.
--1985 Paul and Teri Reisser