Treasured Moments

This past weekend we had the pleasure of having my in-laws come for a visit. For a number of years they lived in the Midwest so we would only get to see them once a year when we took our family vacation. Those days held lots of joy and happiness as we had hours of family time together driving in the car, but also visiting my husband's parents. These vacations were some of the most memorable for all of us.

Several years ago they were able to move to our side of the United States, just a couple hours drive away. But because of various circumstances we have not been able to see them often and rarely just the two of them. In my heart, I often prayed that God would somehow make it that we could have some of that alone time with them again, hopefully before my two sons were grown and left home.

We were pleasantly surprised to recently receive a phone call that just the two of them would be able to visit this past weekend. This has been rare since they have moved into the area for various reasons. One of the main reasons is that my mother-in-law has been battling cancer for a couple years and her health has been poor. She currently is in remission and is regaining her strength. Praise God!

Saturday found my husband, two sons and father-in-law participating in an all day scouting event at a local military post. With the guys gone, my mother-in-law suggested a day of shopping together. This is something that we have been unable to do together for quite a number of years. We spent over five hours shopping, trying on clothes and just re-connecting. I was pleasantly surprised with the purchases that she made for me. As much as I am enjoying the new clothes that fit me nicely(Thanks Mom! :), and make me feel better about myself, I would have to say the moments we spent together is what I treasure the most.

As I wrote in my journal that evening, God reminded me of the prayer that I had been praying now for over four years - to be able to spend time alone again with my in-laws. I realized that I finally was seeing a glimpse of that answer to prayer. I praise God for this weekend that we shared. It is a treasured moment to me.

As I pondered writing about this, it made me think about the time that I spend with the Lord each day. How much of that time is a 'Treasured Moment'? Do I take the time to really enjoy being at the feet of my Heavenly Father or am I just going through the motions so I can cross it off my "To Do" list? Do I glory in His presence as I watch the sun rise? Do I praise Him as I go about my day, teaching the kids, doing laundry, meals, chores, etc. Am I treasuring each moment I have with Him?

How about you? When was the last time you treasured the time you spent with Jesus?