The gift that’s NOT on their list

I’m curious: what’s on your child(ren)’s Christmas list this year? 

My son Luke’s first list iteration featured what seemed like a neverending list of books. And then, after an afternoon spent playing Airsoft at Pev’s Paintball in Aldie, he promptly added a tactical vest, helmet, gloves, patches and other accoutrements so that he can “look like the professionals.” 

There was one item, however, that did not make his list but an item that I know he wants nonetheless. What is that gift you wonder? The gift that is also not on your child(ren)’s list? 

Time. 

Time spent together, doing something alongside one another. 

Now, movie nights are great, don’t get me wrong, but that is not the type of together time I am talking about. I’m talking about taking a walk through the woods or around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. Doing a puzzle together or playing a game of hide and seek. Raking those last few fall leaves and then enjoying a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace. 

We parents sometimes confuse quality time with quantity. We can fall into the thinking that bigger is better and forget that it’s the simple things sometimes that are the most meaningful. Not having to get in the car and go somewhere is often number one on my list.

Enjoy these next few weeks with your children, being thankful to the God of the universe for entrusting them unto your care. Our gift, from God, is them.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” - Psalm 127:3

Krise Nowak

Head of School