Teachable moments are important things.
When I taught at Southern, I (occasionally) attended chapel, talked to some brilliant theologians, learned from some great missiologists, and even read a few books. But, one of the more important teachable moments came in a brief conversation with Hershael York.
Hershael and I were talking one day and he told me of a practice he had with his children. Hershael told them (when they were young) that he would take them on trips at certain ages:
- When they were 10, he would take them anywhere they wanted to go in the United States.
- When they were 15, he would take them anywhere they wanted to go in the world.
And, he explained how these were pivotal times for children and time with their father was an important part of that. It was a teachable moment for me.
I stole the idea and started telling my oldest, Kristen, the same thing. I told her when she was 4 (knowing that she would never be 10).
Well, kids do grow up... and Saturday she is 10. (That sure happened fast.)
So, she picked:
- Disneyland
- Riding to the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible, and
- Yosemite
Hershael was right: there are key moments in your children's lives when you can talk about things that matter, far away from the rush of life. Children have those teachable moments, too. They happen everyday, yes, but you can also find special times to be together and talk. And, thanks to a bunch of frequent flyer and frequent stayer points, this is a way I can spend special time with my daughters.
That's what Kristen and I are doing today-- and it is much more important than all the speaking, writing, and leading that I might otherwise do.
Anyway, if you like some pictures, you can follow the adventure on Twitter (the pic is from the Twitter feed).
So, back to the car, the sunglasses, "tweener" tunes on the CD, and another day in the park taking pictures of flowers, trees, and mountains with her new birthday camera...
Updated-- Here are a few pictures from yesterday and today (from the Twitter feed):
Posted on June 19, 2008 at 10:54 AM ~ 10 Comments
Tagged with: family, priorities
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10 Comments
06/19/08 @ 12:35 PM
Good stuff, Ed. Enjoy yourself.
06/19/08 @ 12:36 PM
That is terrific. One night a week in our family, one child gets to stay up a little later than the other (we are about to have #3) for "Daddy time," but this is like "Daddy time" on steroids. Thanks for the idea.
Warmly in our Savior,
Steve
06/19/08 @ 1:07 PM
That's awesome Ed.
06/19/08 @ 6:06 PM
if i claim you as a spiritual father, will you give me a free trip when i turn 50 nxt year?
i want to go to greece and turkey and egypt,...
06/19/08 @ 9:43 PM
This is a great teachable moment for parents. I'll share the idea with Shane. Thanks!
06/20/08 @ 12:12 AM
Steve Murrell,
Let me get this straight. You preach to 25,000 people every week in Manilla and you get on my blog and ask me for free stuff!
You should be offering me a free trip to Manilla when I turn 42 in September. Grin.
And, I got your voicemail about July 9th. Yes, I can speak and I will call you when I return to work out details.
06/20/08 @ 9:33 AM
So, Ed, sounds like a great trip. Now, inquiring minds want to know, where does she want to go when she is 15?
You'd best start saving up now!
06/20/08 @ 2:48 PM
Ed:
Awesome stuff. I never got that great advice from Dr. York. But I did take Josh to Chicago for a Cubs game and other cool things (including some mission work at Armitage Baptist ) at 12. And in Hannah's case, I got her a really nice ring at 12 that made a lot bigger deal than I would have imagined. I went with Josh at 18 last year to Europe and Hannah (15 now) is about to go with me to Thailand for 3 weeks. So I really agree that we will never do much more important than what we do with our kids. That is where Danny Akin is such a blessing, seeing his relationship with his boys.
There was a time that seminaries taught officially or not that it is God first, then ministry, and when you take care of ministry, God will take care of your family. Not sure that has worked too well.
I appreciate your post. And the example. I don't travel quite as much as you but I am pretty darn busy. I love my family more than anything this side of Jesus.
You bless me once again.
06/22/08 @ 12:49 PM
Dr. Stetzer,
Your phenomenal series entitled "By Love Compelled" is evidenced in this trip with your daughter. We admire your Christian witness.
Bill and Judi Bell
06/23/08 @ 2:30 PM
this is your official offer of a free trip to Manila when you turn 42 or 43, or whenever you want to come.
really. I'm serious.
we'd love to fly you to MNL anytime to hang out with our leaders, teach at our school, preach 5 or 6 Sun services, eat with our pastors, and visit the most beautiful beach in the world.
(the beach part if optional, and most Amr guests prefer to preach 2 or 3 Sunday services.)
let me know WHEN you can come and we'll book it.