Routines can be GOOD.  Routines can help us get things done, right?  We have our morning routines to prepare for the day and our organizational routines to help us get ready for school or work.  We may have routines for weekly meals that involve shopping and meal prep.   We have our bedtime routines….. and for me, that one seems to get more involved the older I get!

When our kids are of school age, we have after-school and homework routines.   Without these habits of necessity, important things can be forgotten.  And, in the midst of all of the necessary steps of our day, we may have to be quite intentional to build in some peace and stillness.

We may to be more intentional now than ever before to provide time for our littles away from screens and time with a paper-in-hand book.  Reading on a screen is convenient, but let’s be honest:  we’re just one click away from SM or from a purchase distraction.  With a book, there is no other distraction at our fingertips….just the printed word.

Content also matters.  If we have limited time, and let’s face it, we do, then we have to use our time wisely.  Our time with our littles is a gift- let’s read and talk, laugh and sing, pray and guide.  Let’s use that time like the precious gift that it is.

We recently found Bedtime Blessings (for little ones) by Emily Lex in a bookstore in the NC mountains.    It’s a sweet devotional that parents/grandparents can read with their children each evening.   Each page has simple words of encouragement and then one scripture:

“God is with you.  Do you know that?  You can’t see him, and you can’t touch him, but you can feel his presence deep within your heart no matter where you are.  And because he is with you, you can do brave things, for you are never alone.

May you be brave and courageous everywhere you go.”

The Bible says….

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”  pp 3-4.

A simple devotional, any devotional.   A simple Story Bible.   A sweet and simple prayer is all that’s needed.  A routine of reading, this rhythm of breathing in God’s Truth may be the best routine of the entire day.

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“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7